My first book ever—a children’s book—is here!
At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the founder of the nonprofit Shield Task Force asked a favor. “Will you please write a children’s book, that in a non-threatening way, shows kids what “grooming” is?
“Grooming” is the process by which a sexual predator gains the trust of a potential victim and sometimes their family.
Since I’m a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and a body safety educator in West Virginia, this assignment was right up my alley! And thankfully, my #1 pick for illustrator—the talented West Virginia artist, Jessie Haring—said yes to joining me on the project.
The Brave Knight, in fairy-tale fashion, demonstrates the behavior and language that sexual predators use. And, in the back of the book there are a number of resources to empower your child to stay safe.
- discussion questions
- extension activities
- phone numbers to call if they feel something (or someone) in their life is not quite right
- directions for creating a personal safety plan
For your convenience, The Brave Knight is available on Amazon.
Right now, though, you can order directly from us via PayPal:
- Go to PayPal.com.
- Click on the send icon.
- In the “Send money” field, type: diane@dianetarantini.com.
- Click “next.”
- Enter $17.99 (Each book is $14.99 + $3 for postage.).
- Where it says “Add a note,” type your mailing address.
- The page will mention Heard Communications. No worries! That’s my new publishing company.
All mailed copies are signed by the author and the illustrator and include a sheet of best practices for reading The Brave Knight with younger children.
I’m thrilled to also announce that The Brave Knight has been chosen by the nonprofit Libera to include in the LovePacks—colorful sling bags filled with mental and emotional resources—they are distributing to the 7,000 foster kids of West Virginia!
If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, or educator, I hope you’ll buy a copy of The Brave Knight to share with all the kids you care about!
Robert Peters, child safety expert and senior attorney at the Zero Abuse Project, says, “There are no words to describe how proud I am of Diane Tarantini, Author and this beautifully illustrated book–but I’ll try! In “The Brave Knight,” Diane articulates incredibly complex child abuse grooming techniques/dynamics (desensitizing physical contact, isolation from familial supports, love for perpetrators, disparity of social power), and somehow does it in an age appropriate, non-threatening way. A brilliant, compelling, and inspiring resource for kids and those who love them.”
Thank you so much, Robert, for this amazing vote of confidence for “The Brave Knight.” I’m comforted knowing you are out there every day, fighting the good fight to keep our kids safe!
“Honestly, though…I didn’t know what to expect. I am fortunate enough not to have had any experience with grooming or abuse at all. I was thinking, ‘How could a fairy tale convey that experience to children in an understandable way?’ Such a difficult topic. But as I was reading it, I saw the truth unfold right before my eyes! Girl, you nailed it!! What an incredible tool..”
Thank you for your kind words, Barbie J. in Bridgeport, West Virginia!! In a few weeks, when we get “The Brave Knight” up on Amazon, I’ll be asking you to write these words again in a review!
Guess what, friend?
I recently created a free and fantastic resource! It’s my top 20+ child safety tips all in one place.
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