The Jellybean Kid

The Jellybean Kid is the sixth book in the Compassion Series, written for children and the grownups in their world with an aim to foster thoughtful, meaningful and compassionate conversations in families, classrooms and communities. The illustrated story portion of The Jellybean Kid follows the journey of Sammy, a little boy living with complex health challenges. Readers get a glimpse into his life, his joys and struggles, meeting his family and a number of vital people in his world along the way. The resource and discussion guide following the story moves deeper into sensitive experiences unique to brave children and youth who experience critical and chronic illnesses or other serious health issues. It also looks honestly and tenderly at the experiences of families, health workers and others lovingly caring for them. Guided by profound, shared real-life insights, this tender book was created to help children and adults to better support families with a child experiencing chronic or critical illness, nurturing understanding and compassion among those who have not journeyed the same road.

Tim has spent his adult life combining his love of visual arts, writing and music with social justice and humanitarian endeavors. Tim has been in full-time charitable work for over 35 years. He is an acclaimed speaker, a best-selling author and award-winning author-illustrator of children’s books.

Tim is the author of seven book titles of which six have either been nominated for or won national awards. They include: Bent Hope: a Street Journal, Dancing with Dynamite: Celebrating Against the Odds (which won Best Canadian Book of the Year award in 2011), The Yuletide Factor: Cause for Perpetual Comfort and Joy, and his previous illustrated children’s books, The Cardboard Shack Beneath the Bridge: Helping Children Understand Homelessness, It’s Hard Not to Stare: Helping Children Understand Disabilities, The Honour Drum: Sharing the Beauty of Canada’s Indigenous People with Children, Families and Classrooms, Am I Safe: Exploring Fear and Anxiety with Children, Make Way for the Christmas Hush , all published by Castle Quay Books.

Margie Timpson has been serving children, youth and families for over 30 years. In her work with agencies including Youth Unlimited, Bridgeway Family Homes and Muskoka Woods, she has supported and walked alongside many facing difficult journeys.  Margie has served marginalized youth including girls involved in the sex trade and teen mothers. She has also been involved in youth leadership development and in caring for foster families. As a certified coach and volunteer trainer, she also loves to inspire and equip others to serve.  She currently works with RMHC Toronto Charities as the Family Room Coordinator at SickKids Hospital where she serves families whose children are facing serious health challenges.