WHY THE GIRL
Why the Girl is more than just children’s stories, it’s a passionate cry for a society that models self-love, self-care and advocacy.
“So many of us are made to feel like we’re not welcome in this world, simply because we don’t fit someone’s criteria. If you’ve been told you’re too small, too large, the wrong color, the wrong sex, physically different or mentally unique… I want to remind you that whatever makes you special… whatever makes you, YOU ... should be a source of pride.
I’ve grown up into a woman who understands there’s a reason I was born perfectly ME, and
I’m passionate about helping others to feel the same way.”
In 2018 storyteller Shanna Forrestall had an idea for a children's book about a little girl and her cat. Despite telling stories using a variety of mediums over the years, this was one story she couldn’t tell on her own, because she couldn’t draw.
Passionate about everyone finding their life's purpose – and ensuring no-one is limited by gender, race, disability or whatever – the search began for an illustrator. Matthew DeGuia is a young man on the autism spectrum, who's overcome his own challenges and along with Shanna, helped bring this powerful book to life. Shanna also employed several other young men on the autism spectrum to help create digital videos and assets to go along with the book.
The story behind the story encourages the reader to go beyond social rules and norms and spark a dialogue about what it truly means to be brave, bold and beautiful. It’s a delightful message that emboldens us to follow our hearts and not let others dictate who we are. The book is now available for purchase on Amazon. All proceeds help us to mentor/hire more young men on the spectrum.
Shanna is now working with Jeff Gold of My Calm World to release additional children’s stories perfect for bedtime that inspire, encourage and soothe young children - each album features artwork by a young person on the spectrum and creates additional opportunity for mentorship/paid work.
WATCH THE DIGITAL BOOK NOW:
Written/produced by Shanna Forrestall , Illustrated by Matthew De Guia, Vocals by Chloe Ray (Girl) and Shanna Forrestall, Audio Recording by Marc Preston, and Digital Editing by Kyle Helgren.