Charlie Mae's First Day

"Hopeful they will notice she's not so different after all, will Charlie make new friends? Will her classmates be kind even though she seems different?"

An extraordinary picture book that encourages kindness and acceptance of children with different abilities! Like the endearing main character of this book, some children may appear to be much different and end up having more in common with their peers than anticipated. 

Inspired by real life Charlie Mae, this story was initially written to aid as an introduction to her kindergarten class. It's transformation comes with a deep desire to serve as a tool to not only spread awareness at a pivotal age, but present a feeling of belongingness to kids and familes like Charlie's. 

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"Charlie Mae's First Day"
By: Hannah Wilson
Illustrated by: Kim Soderberg
Published 2022
ISBN:‎ 9781665718509

What people say

"As the father of a daughter with challenging disabilities, I am thrilled when families share their stories to make life better for our children and to educate the community. Hannah does a wonderful job showing that despite Charlie Mae’s health condition, she enjoys life just like other kids do. I truly appreciate the beautiful illustrations of Charlie Mae and how she experiences the world. Hannah’s overarching message of acceptance shines through to help kids see that it is okay to be different and to accept one another just the way they are."

Jon Scheinman (Livy’s Hope)

"Charlie Mae’s First Day is a wonderful way to introduce children, both with and without disabilities, to the ideas of inclusivity and tolerance. Hannah Wilson does an amazing job of normalizing some of the unique aspects of having a disability, while highlighting that we are all more the same than we are different. She has adapted this important message into a fun book that any child will enjoy. As a pediatric neurologist, I highly recommend Charlie Mae’s First Day to all parents. My hope is that this book, and others like it, will ignite change in our society that will eventually improve the lives of people with disabilities of all ages through increased education and awareness."

Dr. Katy Lalor

More by the author:

Join Charlie Mae on her spooktacular day in an adaptive Halloween adventure like none other! No tricks, just treats on the spookiest day of the year. A ghoulishly good addition to your Charlie Mae collection!

Come along as we experience Christmas through the eyes of a very special girl, Charlie Mae. Though she isn't able to walk, talk, or eat Christmas candy like most children, you'll soon see that this time of year is just as magical for her as it is for you! Wishing you A Very Special Christmas!

Hannah Wilson

Author

Residing in Alabama, Hannah Wilson is a wife and proud mother to four  children. She delights in her role as a stay-at-home mom and treasures her memories as a special needs parent. Her oldest daughter, Charlie, was born with a rare genetic mutation that caused severe developmental delays and intractable epilepsy. Hannah is an Epilepsy Ambassador for the Epilepsy Foundation of America and has served on the Kids Crew Leadership Council of the Epilepsy Foundation of America. As the founder of Special in a Small Town, Hannah enjoyed planning and hosting private events catered to families touched by special needs.Through her books, Hannah hopes to increase awareness around children with different abilities, all while spreading joy and comfort to other families like her own.
”May Charlie’s legacy live on through the pages and  rhymes, spreading love and inclusion until the end of time.”  H.W.

Kim Soderberg

Illustrator

Ohio based Children's Book Illustrator, Kim Soderberg has been working as a professional in the industry for the past ten years. She is known for her use of bright color, endearing characters and rich environments.She is also a wife and mother to three energetic children, who give her constant inspiration. Her middle son, Grady, has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a special needs mom herself, Kim jumped at the opportunity to work with Hannah on Charlie Mae's First Day. Kim is a member of SCBWI and some of her clients include Scholastics, Creative Teaching Press, National Geographic, Animal Tales and Girls World Magazine. Kim is represented by Illustration Online LLC.
http://www.kimberlysoderberg.com