We are excited to introduce you to local children’s book author Mallory Habstritt.
Tell us about you and what inspired you to write a children’s book.
Starting in first grade, when I was diagnosed with vitiligo, I experienced low self-esteem, believing that my vitiligo did not make me unique but different. Over time, by attending the World Vitiligo Day Conference and meeting others who struggled with differences, I realized that my vitiligo made me special. It also showed me that everyone has differences, and to struggle with confidence is a normal and real feeling. Now, as a fifteen-year-old, I think of my vitiligo as beautiful. After reflecting on my long and challenging journey, I want to inspire others by sharing my journey. This book follows a small portion of my experiences with vitiligo to teach kids that vitiligo and all differences make you beautiful, unique, and special.
Friends and loved ones asked us questions about my vitiligo throughout my journey. We noticed that people were uplifted by what I had to say. Inspired by our dog, Dolly, and the joy she brings, we had an “aha!” moment and came up with the idea to write a children’s book starring dogs, but telling my story. Of course, we had to feature Dolly as one of the main characters! Our real-life Dolly resembles the illustration perfectly. She is a Shichon, which is half Shih Tzu and half Bichon Frise, and sweet and energetic just like her character in the book!
Tell us all about your book. What can parents/kids expect?
Angel’s Big Splash is a book about loving the skin you’re in. We all have differences, both seen and unseen, and these differences are what make us unique and special. For me, vitiligo is a difference that is easily seen, and in the book, our main character, Angel, also has vitiligo. She is a sweet dog who is nervous about her first day of school at Pup Prep. She’s scared that the other pups will not accept her because she is different. Angel meets new friends right away, Dolly and Cleo, and along with her new friends, the support of her family, and a timely postcard from her summer camp counselor, she overcomes her fears. Angel says: “When I was little, I pretended angels visited me while I slept and gave me little kisses on my skin. I imagined their kisses left behind white patches to remind me I’m special. And being proud of them can help other pups learn to love what makes them special, too!”
Angel’s journey resembles mine, from a nervous first-grader to now a confident advocate for self-love. Like me, Angel learns to be proud of who she is and bravely shares her story with her friends, much like I did. By the end of the book, Angel embraces her vitiligo spots, which she calls her Angel Kisses.
At the end of the book, there are some facts about what vitiligo is and what it isn’t. We collaborated with pediatric dermatologist Dr. Ingrid Polcari from the University of Minnesota to provide insights into vitiligo in easy-to-understand language. We thank Dr. Polcari for her loving care throughout my vitiligo journey and for her assistance with this critical part of the book.
What do you love about the Twin Cities? Why is this a great community for local authors?
I love being from the Twin Cities. I was born in the same hospital as my mom, my grandpa, and my great-grandfather. We have a lot of history here, and I’m lucky to live here. I know Minnesota is known for its very cold winters, but I love the change of seasons. I like all of them! I like seeing the changes and experiencing the outdoors as they change. The Twin Cities also have amazing parks, trails, schools, libraries, summer camp programs, special local events like the Aquatennial, the St. Paul Winter Carnival, James J. Hill Days, and so many more. I also like the community and Minnesota sports teams, with a special love for the Vikings. There are many museums, music venues, and children’s activities.
The best part of the Twin Cities, though, is the people. I love all the teachers and youth leaders I’ve had over the years. People are kind and help each other in good times and in hard times. The Twin Cities are good for local authors because of all the opportunities to experience life outside the comfort of their home and in all the different seasons. You have a lot of inspiration to pull from to write a story.
What is the best way for the Minnesota Parent community to support your business?
We aim to spread the message of self-love to all people and educate them about vitiligo, promoting a more inclusive and understanding approach to the condition. The best way to do that is to read, rate, and share.
- First, get a copy of Angel’s Big Splash and read it. It is intended for younger kids, but it also quietly resonates with people of all ages. My book is available on Amazon, my website, and through Itasca Books Distribution and Fulfillment, which means bookstores and libraries can order it.
- Second, rate Angel’s Big Splash. Please also consider rating the book, as it helps it rise in Amazon’s algorithm, allowing more people in need of information about bravery and vitiligo to discover it.
- Third, share it with others, including schools, teachers, and Little Free Libraries, and follow along in my journey on Instagram at @be_brave_with_mallory and my website www.bebravewithmallory.org.
How does your book inspire parents and their children?
This book is about vitiligo, but it is about so much more than that. We all have differences, and I hope the book inspires readers to love what makes them unique. Angel issues a call to action to the readers, encouraging them to embrace their differences and be brave, inspiring those around them. Angel jumps into the swimming pool, making a big splash and says, “I can inspire others just by being myself… and so can you.”
Tell us about you! Your family, why you love being a parent. What brings you joy?
Hi, this is now Annalee Habstritt, Mallory’s mom and co-author of the book! I’ll be taking over the questions from here.
I’m glad you asked about joy. I love being the mother of Mallory and her big sister, Meredith. We talk a lot about leading with joy. We even have matching necklaces that say ‘Joy’, reminding us to make choices that bring light to our hearts and the world around us. One thing that brings me joy is seeing the girls living their authentic selves. Whether they are outdoors hiking, in the classroom, swimming in the lake, or laughing with friends, they are unapologetically themselves. They are kind, helpful, thoughtful, giving, and a lot of fun to be around. Growing up is hard in today’s world, with the pressures that come with 24-hour digital connectedness, unlike when I was growing up. It’s easy to lose track of who you are and what you want to be when you’re inundated with images, whether inspiring or not, produced by others that populate your social media feeds or other programming.
We often discuss how comparison can be the thief of joy, a sentiment commonly attributed to Theodore Roosevelt. His sentiment remains as accurate today as it was at any time. So, we emphasize living bravely and boldly into our unique qualities and surrounding ourselves with people who love the skin they’re in, too. It’s much easier to be brave when you love yourself and are confident to go into the world just as you are.
Tell us about your favorite places to go with your family? Restaurants, road trips, parks, etc.
Our family has lived in Minnesota for generations, and we love it here (except we do wish Spring would come just a little sooner each year!). We love the lakes and trails, with a special fondness for Lake Minnetonka, including the Panoway in Wayzata, as well as Lake Harriet and Linden Hills in Minneapolis. We also enjoy Duluth and the North Loop, as well as the Stone Arch Bridge area. Each of those areas is fun to stroll around (almost) any time of year, check out a cute restaurant or shop, enjoy the water, and grab a sweet treat. We are huge ice cream fans and have a debate about which place in those neighborhoods and beyond has the best scoop, but we will leave that verdict up to your readers. There is also a great guide on Minnesota Parent that offers some excellent suggestions.
Our favorite time of year, however, is Minnesota State Fair season! We go early in the morning, often multiple times, and have Sweet Martha’s Cookies for breakfast – a tradition we love, and we are always sure to document it with a selfie. The girls have even won Blue Ribbons by entering their photography, art, and academic works into the Fair. We also attend the Health Fair every year and get our Flu shots. Yes, I’m that mom.
Anything else you want to share?
Our book aims to offer a fun way for kids and their caregivers to discuss differences, both visible and invisible. The original draft was many times longer in word count, and we learned while writing the book that sometimes it is less and more. Providing space in the text allows the readers to find themselves in the story. We hope that conversations are started about things kids wonder about, what they are proud of, maybe what they are scared of, and perhaps what they admire in others. Most of all, we hope it encourages kids and grown-ups to be brave enough to be themselves.
Let us know where our readers can find you!
Contact Info – mallory@habstrittbooks.com
