Patricia Ann Simon

Since they became friends, Patty has helped Simon learn to love what makes him different. What makes us different makes us special. Patty and her sister Abi are excited to go to camp, but Patty is not so sure. What if the other kids make fun of them? But this isn't just any camp. This is a safe place where kids can be themselves and people can understand. It's going to take the help of new friends like Mari, Peter and Matthew to show Patty she doesn't need to be afraid. We are all wonders and together we can make the world better one smile at a time.

Simon, a bright, red cardinal, hatched from his shell with a big gap in his beak. The gap made it hard for him to eat. Simon was not strong enough to fly. One day, he accidentally fell out of the nest and couldn t get back to his family. Patty discovered the little bird and realized he suffered from the same thing as she, a cleft lip. A story of friendship, love, acceptance, and kindness, this playful picture book for children shares the importance a smile has on others. It teaches a powerful lesson-despite people s differences, we are alike and beautiful.

Simon understands what it s like to be born looking different than others. When he hatched, his beak had a gap, making it difficult for him to eat, smile, and sing. With help from his special friend, Patty, Simon now thrives. One day, Simon spots a sad blue jay sitting in a tree. No one came to Buddy s birthday party because he s different. Simon and Patty gather their friends and make Buddy feel special. They create the Buddy Branch, a place where birds can come when they feel lonely. Simon and the Buddy Branch, a children s picture book, shares a story of love, acceptance, and kindness. It communicates the message it s okay to be different; everyone is beautiful just the way they are.