Clovis Toddler Inspires New Children’s Book

A Clovis toddler has inspired her mom to write a children’s book with a message of perseverance, determination, goal setting, and family encouragement.

Jill Harold’s 3-year-old daughter, Brooklynn, was born with clubfoot, a condition in which an infant’s foot is turned inward.

“Even though clubfoot is treatable, the process and treatment is hard,” Harold says. “This is my gift to Brooklynn and my family, and also my way of helping other families in a similar situation.”

Hip, Hop, Hooray for Brooklynn Bunny!

Hip, Hop, Hooray for Brooklynn Bunny! tells the story of a bunny who loves to hop. Brooklynn wears a brace at night, but she is determined to learn how to jump rope in time for the Hippity Hop Games. The word “clubfoot” is never mentioned in the book.

“We wanted all kids to enjoy, relate, and be inspired by the message,” Harold says. “I don’t want any family to feel alone in this journey.”

The book took 2 ½ years to complete and was co-written by Betsy Miller, author of The Parents’ Guide to Clubfoot.

Harold says this is the only clubfoot children’s book in the world with a female as the main character, and the only clubfoot children’s book written in the United States.

“If this book puts a smile on the face of a clubfoot child, I’ve succeeded,” Harold says. “If this book helps a clubfoot family cope and ease their worries, I’ve succeeded. If this book helps a parent to show their child to continue to work hard, practice, and persevere through tough times, then I’ve succeeded.”

Harold hopes doctors will use the book to explain treatment to scared moms, and that families will use it to help siblings understand what their brother or sister is going through. Plans are in the works to have Hip, Hop, Hooray for Brooklynn Bunny! available in school libraries.

Harold is also working with other clubfoot moms to start a non-profit organization, Clubfoot C.A.R.E.S., to support clubfoot families across the United States. She says she hopes her daughter and others like her can hop into this world with no limitations.

A book signing recently took place at Petunia’s Place in Fresno. Additional book events may occur in the future.

Hip, Hop, Hooray for Brooklynn Bunny! is available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

 

[Thanks to Jill Harold for providing photos for this post]