The
First Book in the B.B. Book Series, You and Me Make Three helps young children cope with the challenges of divorce and separation.
You and Me
Make Three
B.B.,
the companion stuffed bear gives kids
a soft, furry friend to hug and cuddle
and take to both Mom's and Dad’s!
To provide support for children and parents as they go
through divorce and separation and to provide a B.B. Book and Bear to every school
in America.
Divorce is one of the most common problems facing kids today.
- Worldwide, over 5 million children are affected by divorce every year.
- In the United States alone, over 1 million children suffer from the effects of divorce each year.
- Currently, there are more than 15 million kids in the United States who have experienced their parents’ divorce.
- Before they turn 18, half the children born this year to parents who are married, will see their parents divorce.
- Provides comfort and guidance to children going through the emotions associated with divorce and separation.
- Features practical suggestions on every page for parents and caregivers to help children through the divorce process.
- This sensitive and emotional subject of divorce and separation are presented in a positive format with colorful kid-friendly illustrations.
- Concepts from the SMILE Program® (Start Making It Livable For Everyone) are incorporated. SMILE is an education program for divorcing parents with minor children. SMILE was developed by Judge Edward Sosnick and Family Law Attorney, Richard S. Victor.
- B.B. the Bear is a constant companion that can be taken back and forth to Mom and Dad’s offering children security and consistency.
- B.B. Bear provides a venue for children to role-play and act out their feelings, giving parents and professionals insight into the child’s thoughts and emotions.
- B.B. Bear is manufactured by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the bear experts with more than 300 stores worldwide!
- B.B. and You and Me Make Threeis endorsed by teachers, psychologists and family law attorneys.
- A portion of the book sales will benefit The VICTOR SMILE FOUNDATION a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization to benefit children, parents and families going through divorce and separation.
- A portion of book and bear sales will benefit the International Kids Alliance Network (IKAN) a (501)C-(3) promoting literacy and education.
Co-Authors and Best Friends Wendy Lokken and Gwendy
Mangiamele with their Children, Michael O’Dea and Mia
Johnson
Michael O’Dea & Mia Johnson with their furry friends that helped them cope with their parents’ divorce.
It all began when Michael and Mia’s Moms, Wendy
Lokken and Gwendy Mangiamele, met in college and
became lasting friends. Years later, they had their
first and only children, born six months apart.
Wendy’s son, Michael O’Dea and Gwendy’s daughter,
Mia Johnson, are now 12 years old and share a
special bond that began when they were infants.
Like their mothers, they are good friends.
When Mia and Michael’s parents each separated,
they not only had to contend with the divorce, but
they also had to deal with living in separate homes.
To cope, Mia and Michael, independent of one
another, found a special friend -- a stuffed animal
they could hug and love. Michael’s soft “Cozy Bear” and Mia’s big floppy dog “Sheila” accompanied them
and provided comfort when transitioning to their
parents' individual homes.
After learning in school about the ancient tradition of Worry Dolls, Michael told his Mom that Worry Dolls were like his Cozy Bear and every kid going through a divorce should have something like a Worry Doll. Michael reinforced the concept he and Mia already had in place! Every child going through separation should have a “Worry Doll” or a B.B. The Bear!
Educator, Patricia Vinton and Michael O’Dea
“B.B. provides a simple yet effective way for communication not only with the child who is experiencing the divorce of his/her parents, but also other classmates who interact with the child on a daily basis. Who can resist sharing talks with a friend like BB Bear!”
