MAC AND FURRY HAVE A STORY TO SHARE
Mac and Furry have their own book, written by his mom, about their adventures in kindergarten, where he had to stay home while his friends were in school. Mac went to school virtually. When he could go to school, New was scared, and his Kindergarten teacher used Stuffies and a little stuffed penguin to help him cope and connect with his friends. “The Little Penguins That Could” discusses the importance of Emotional Support for children facing challenges, introducing the concept of ESPs (Emotional Support Partners). Studies say that lovies, stuffed animals, can help children cope with times of anxiety and trauma.
This journey began when miracles happened during my Kindergarten days.
It included an extraordinary Little Boy, a Teacher and a Penguin, and — not to forget a family, a school, and a whole community!
Miracles happened in a Little Town That Would, at the Little School That Could, when a little boy entered Kindergarten. The boy’s name is Mac. He is a real boy with many challenges and hidden strengths. Mac’s class was called the Penguin Kindergarten, and his teacher, Mrs. C. , was an incredible teacher with patience, perception, passion, play, and persistence. The teacher loves children, stuffed penguins, and science.
Real miracles happened in a very small town in the USA, in a Kindergarten classroom for a little boy with special needs who found his voice, understanding and friendship. Teacher believes in possibilities.
Mac lives with over 110 diagnoses and health issues, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a chromosome duplication, and a very rare genetic deletion (only 25 known cases). In other words, this little guy has a very medically complex life and needs to learn very differently. In addition, his eyes, ears, and motor systems often fail to function as intended. That means the more he tries, the more he can’t.
In Kindergarten, the Teacher had an inspiration to use a little Stuffie penguin she named Snack. The incredible, yet simple idea and their story gave birth to something that needed to be shared with the whole world. Mac’s mom, Ann Yurcek, the author of Furry: The Little Penguins That Could, and her friend Jodee Kulp, the illustrator and executive director of Better Endings New Beginnings, joined forces to create the book and the curriculum.
Furry – The Little Penguins That Could has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products, and services by the Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient.
Furry promotes a positive perception of all children, creating endless possibilities for everyone.
Furry: The Little Penguins That Could was written to teach about friendship, acceptance, and inclusion. By sharing Mac’s story and its accompanying curriculum with children through their schools, communities, and families, perhaps, just perhaps, the ripples will encourage acceptance and help prevent bullying. By teaching understanding, we hope to alleviate the loneliness and trauma children with differences face in their lives. The lack of friendship affects everything. Every child needs a friend, and everyone matters.
Today, as Mac shops with his mom or attends events in his community, kids greet Mac. Mac is accepted simply for being Mac in his community. Mac’s normal is accepted as normal for Mac, and his friends care for and like Mac just how he is!
All Chapters Now Available on YouTube Read by Mrs. C
Listen with wonder…
Mrs. C lovingly reads the first chapter of Furry: The Little Penguins That Could. A new dynamic Read Together Read Aloud (Shared Reading) book for children in schools, and snuggled with their families and friends.
Mac’s year in Kindergarten taught us many important things.
Miracles do happen, and a stuffed penguin can become a real Emotional Support Partner (ESP). However, in Furry’s case, he is Mac’s Emotional Support Penguin.
You Can Make Miracles Happen For Children with
Mac and Furry’s Virtual Lemonade Stand for Kids
Furry’s new book is available to help children who lose family members to COVID-19 or are facing trauma. Ann Yurcek and TEAM MAC are sending out kits to special individuals who need extra love during the holidays – HELP US SPONSOR KITS – we want to make a difference.
WE NEED YOUR HELP AT GO FUND ME CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Link to GoFundMe https://gf.me/u/yyky97
How can I help? While everyone else got to go to school, Mac and his best friend Furry stayed home due to his disabilities and immune compromise. Now everyone is staying home. Mac has learned that he can do anything, just “differently”.
We love Courageous Kids with Challenges
- Visit my Penguin Shoppe
- Send us a note, Mac and Furry love to get letters: anny@furrythepenguin.com
- Available on Amazon and GoFundMe! Or Visit the Furry Store!
