It’s a fictional tale with a real world message. Local resident Toni Renee Caldwell hopes there’s one central takeaway from her recently published children’s book: Different is OK.
In “Wags, Wiggles and Watermelon,” readers take a journey alongside Tate and his furry friends Pepper, Tucker and Charlie. Young Tate sees the world differently, according to the book’s description. Loud noises are enormous for Tate, he likes routine and other children don’t understand him.
Tate comes home from school one day feeling hurt and lonely. That’s when his three dogs start talking!
In a world that can sometimes be tough, the trio helps Tate discover there is nothing wrong with being different.
“I wanted to help spread kindness and understanding that people are different. That’s why I wrote it. This book is about much more than a little boy and three little dogs. It’s about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, understanding that every child experiences life differently and different is beautiful,” Caldwell told the Advocate.
Caldwell says she has both family members and friends who have children with autism.
“They are raising incredible children on the spectrum. Through them I’ve seen beauty, intelligence ... unconditional love they bring into the word. I’ve also seen the challenges they face every day.”
Caldwell said she was also inspired to write the book after a hard personal loss involving the death of her great-nephew.
“No one had any idea (he was suffering). He was being bullied. With that tragedy it inspired me to write a book and get awareness out.”
The dog characters featured in the book are based off Caldwell’s own dogs—Basset Hounds Pepper and Charlie and Shorkie Tucker.
While the dogs’ personalities are vastly different, Caldwell said the fact they “love each other exactly how they are,” is something she wanted to incorporate into her book.
“Being different isn’t something to hide, it’s something to celebrate. Children who are autistic or any child that feels different, if they read this I hope they realize they are not alone. I hope children who many not understand autism learn empathy, compassion and kindness,” Caldwell told the Advocate. “Sometimes it only takes one child’s perspective or one act of kindness to change someone’s life.”
Caldwell’s book can be purchased on Amazon. At the end of the month, all proceeds will be distributed equally to children with autism.
Just published May 15, Caldwell said she’s already raised $300.
“I want to give back to the families who inspire me and help provide support for children who deserve an opportunity to thrive.”
You can purchase the book at https://www.amazon.com/Wags-Wiggles-Watermelon-Toni-Caldwell-ebook/dp/B0H229ZNBR or by reaching out to Caldwell personally.
For a more detailed look at who Caldwell is, see the related story.
There will be a book signing party and all of her books will be available for purchase Aug. 15 from 2-4 p.m. at Pizza Hut.
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