by Stacy Raye Waibel
Review by Laura Weber, National Kidney Foundation Patient & Family Council Executive Committee
Stacy uses a very child friendly character, Rudy the dog, to introduce her reader to kidney failure. I thought it was good that she started with Rudy becoming symptomatic with the fatigue common to End Stage Renal Disease. As Rudy goes to the doctor, the author uses this occasion to give a very good and child age appropriate basic description of what the kidneys are and what their function is “to clean our blood” along with a very basic diagram on the kidneys in relationship to the major internal organs. As the book progresses, Rudy goes to dialysis with a great illustration of the little dog hooked up to the dialysis machine with a rudimentary explanation of what dialysis does and what it is like. I thought it was great that the book addresses what kinds of food could or couldn’t be eaten, or eaten in moderation, and fluid restrictions. The book seems to present a pretty balanced accounting of the limitations of dialysis while still enjoying life on dialysis. The illustrations in this book are very good.
BIOGRAPHY
These stories are informative and educational as well as entertaining and heart-warming. Dealing with such subjects as blindness, going to the doctor, transplants, problem solving, and dialysis, Rudy's stories also include fun and humor so children aren't overwhelmed.
Many of Stacy's stories are written from personal experience. Because of diabetes, she lost her sight at the age of 19 and had her first kidney transplant at 31. In 2009, she needed a second kidney transplant. Her husband Wayne donated one of his kidneys. Even with the many challenges in life, Stacy maintains a positive attitude. She believes that everything happens for a reason.
Stacy graduated magna cum laude with a degree in speech communication and met her husband, Wayne - truly a blessing. They now live in Apple Valley, MN. with Rudy and his little brother, Boomer. Big brothers Kirby, Dito and Dexter, live in heaven.
UPCOMING READINGS
- Children's Program - Pleasant Hill Library - Wednesday December 7th @ 10:30am.
WEBSITE
- Homepage: www.RudysLittleWorld.com - PayPal purchase buttons on the home page
- Blog: www.RudysLittle.Blogspot.com
PURCHASE
- www.RudysLittleWorld.com - PayPal purchase buttons on the home page
- Rudy Gets A Transplant
- Rudy's Check Up
- What's On My Nose?
- Rudy O'Tooty - Coming March 2012
PUBLISHER
Purple Cow Press
AUTHOR MESSAGE
Using our books as educational tools, I speak to a variety of ages and group sizes in schools, libraries, clubs and organizations. Subjects vary from blindness, transplants, going to the doctor and problem solving to writing, being an author, the importance of reading, dogs and anything else!
I have done anything from after school workshops, and single classrooms (about 25 children) to large groups and full school assemblies (approximately 400 children).
Many events and stories are profiled on our website www.RudysLittleWorld.com. Please feel free to visit the site anytime.
If you would like more details or have questions, please contact me at 952-322-1419 or wdwaibel@aol.com.
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