Free To Be Me: A Lesson on Identity (The Adventures of Mandy & Friends)

Mandy is very, very different.

Across the wide African savanna, a giraffe like Mandy is hard to overlook. She is an albino giraffe, perfectly white from horn to hoof. Where the other giraffes in her herd are dappled with beautiful warm spots, Mandy is dreadfully marbled in shades of white and silver. Feeling conspicuous and embarrassed, Mandy has become an expert in hiding from the pointed stares and hushed whispers of others. She wishes with all of her heart that she had not been born to be such a misfit.

But when the burden of her unique design simply feels too heavy to bear, and running away seems to be her only option, a compassionate encounter with a kind owl and a majestic lion brings new courage to her rejected, humiliated heart. With a new, unlikely friend at her side, Mandy discovers that her uncommon appearance is not only an intentional creation, but a beautiful gift.

About the Author & Illustrator
Amanda Hill is the co-founder of Kingdom River International, a non-profit ministry to the nations, and founder of Amanda Hill Ministries. She is a licensed, ordained, and commissioned minister of the gospel. An apostolic prophet and gifted teacher, Amanda is a rare blend of fire and water. Her unique prophetic insight, refreshing transparency, and humorous delivery enables authentic encounters with Jesus that engage, encourage, and equip believers. First and foremost, Amanda is a lover of Jesus, and is devoted to her husband David. In 1998, they married and have since added amazing children to their family: Mason, Eliana (the illustrator), and Raegan Elizabeth (who is in the presence of Jesus). The Hill family are proud to be born and raised Charlestonians, believing nothing could be finer than to live in South Carolina, y’all.

Eliana Grace Hill, the 16-year-old daughter of David and Amanda Hill, has a brilliantly creative mind and a kind, gentle spirit. Known as one with great compassion, she loves animals, drawing, and painting, and is often called upon as the resident technology fix-it guru in the Hill household. Currently, she plans to attend cosmetology school after high school graduation. We are grateful and honored to have Eliana's imagination and skill at the helm as Mandy and her friends go on their adventures.