Shumalady And the Hand that Decided Long Ago Not to Grow

Shumalady is a story about a magical, eclectic, and confident African American little girl whose hand decided long ago not to grow; Shumalady is determined not to let the bully from the unmentionable place, or any other bully destroy her confidence and turn the good-good friends against her.

Simply put, Alecia Thurston is an educator, writer, illustrator, loving daughter, wife, mother as well as friend and "Nani" to five granddaughters, one of whom inspired this particular book, which so justly brings attention to children with disabilities.

Ms. Thurston has been using her God-given storytelling gift since childhood. It all started when Alecia's two younger siblings (Pam and Janice) pleased and pretty pleased their big sister, Alecia, every night to tell another "Sissy" episode before the parent-people started knocking
on the bedroom door.

Needless to say, Ms. Thurston is indeed a most unusual woman, who remains connected with the child within so she will always have little kids as best, best friends. Why not? Ms. Thurston acknowledges herself as a kid in a grown-up body anyway and will remain as such until she's 90+. And, as long as this gifted storyteller remains on planet earth, kids will smile and clap their hands because another grown-up kid understands.

Other stories are coming, so be on the lookout! And a big thank you to author, Shel Silverstein for being true to his inner child-self.