CHESAPEAKE, Va. - According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 33 million American families move into a new home each year.
"We went through three big family moves," said Byron Gifford.
Byron Gifford and his family recently moved from Illinois to Chesapeake, something that was an extra hard move for his 11-year-old son Evan.
"This story and the impact those moves has had on our children is really the inspiration behind this book," said Gifford.
After seeing the prolonged loneliness, and feelings of disconnection it had on Evan, Gifford decided to put pen to paper.
"This is my first book that I have published, " said Gifford.
During quarantine, Gifford wrote a book – 'Life with Graffy, Discovering Bravery.'
"Evan my son, but Evan in the book finds out he has to move to a new town and in doing so he is leaving behind his family home and all of his friends," he said. "One day he is out shopping with his mom and he meets a new best friend, a stuffed giraffe named Graffy. He finds out he is special and that he can be brave, meet new friends, and he is never alone."
Gifford hopes children will follow Evan's journey towards accepting bravery as he overcomes many anxieties they face. A book that is especially timely now during the pandemic when children are isolated.
"I look at the book as helping you increase bravery whether it is virtually right now or challenging yourself to meet new friends," said Gifford.
Gifford also illustrated the book, which is getting rave reviews.
"With this book it allows them to be creative," he said. " I am hearing from parents the book was the first book children read cover to cover."
To find more about the book an order a copy, click here.
