LANSING, Michigan — A new book by local author Vicki Hamilton Allen, has just been donated to Lansing’s Capital Area District Library. “The Itchy Secret,” centers around a brave and strong Lion named Lou and a secret that has him all itchy and scratchy.
When Vicki Hamilton Allen reads her book, “The Itchy Secret,” lots of feelings come to the surface.
“It can get a little emotional at times. You know I never set out to be an author of a children’s book. This book became a part of my healing process from my past. I experienced some childhood trauma that has lived with my entire life.”
Vicki held her secret for over 40 years. Then, one night, she decided to tell her husband what had happened to her as a child. His positive reaction helped put Vicki on the path to healing.
@good_neighbors “The Itchy secret” helping kids and adults take the first step towards healing ##goodneighbors ##childrensbooks ##sharingiscaring ##love ##teacher ##fyp
“This story is a prescription for those who come after me who are survivors of something, whether it be something they witnessed or something they experienced themselves; to do something about it and to empower them to know what to do. It starts by telling someone they trust.”
Marissa Tawney Thaler illustrated the “The Itchy Secret.”
“I feel like it only took a couple of minutes sitting down with Vicki and listening to her vision of Leo’s story to say not only is this legitimate, but this could be powerful.”
“The lion was chosen as a strong character. He has this built-in tool, his mane, as a way of showing emotion. Kids can’t, and even adults can’t verbalize emotion effectively, but we can look for other context clues. His mane was a really good visual context clue.
Vicki hopes “The Itchy Secret” helps other people, no matter how old they are or what their secret is.
“By leaving the message elastic, it stretches to accommodate anyone’s secret, that allows it for people to read it and see their secret within the story without ever having to say what it is.
Scott Duimstra, the Executive Director of the Capital Area District Library, is confident the book will be very popular.
“Many of the times, we get requests for books, especially for children going through trauma. The books that are out now are mainly for parents or teachers talking to kids about trauma. It’s very rare to find a book that is addressed toward children in a language they will understand about their trauma. That’s why I think this book is so unique.”
You can get a copy of “The Itchy Secret” at the Capital Area District Library, Amazon, or other booksellers.
Vicki’s ultimate goal is to help as many people as she can release their itchy secrets and start on the path to healing.
Vicki Hamilton Allen, thank you for being a good neighbor and sharing your healing message with the world.
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If you know someone that is doing amazing things and helping other people in your neighborhood, please let me know. You can email me at bobhoffman11@gmail.com.
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