Kathryn Selvidge, an author with a unique perspective on mental health, has embarked on a meaningful journey to create awareness and understanding through her semi-autobiographical children’s books. Drawing from her personal experience of growing up as the sibling of a mentally ill older brother, Selvidge’s work aims to offer comfort and empowerment to children facing similar challenges. With her first book, Kloe’s New Start, she introduces a heartwarming tale that uses animal characters to help young readers navigate the complexities of growing up with a loved one struggling with mental illness.
For over 30 years, Selvidge has dreamed of writing children’s books, and this passion has culminated in a series of stories designed to help children find strength and resilience, even in the face of difficult family dynamics. The books are a blend of captivating stories and vibrant illustrations, making them both engaging and educational. Selvidge’s approach not only entertains but also provides children with the tools they need to understand their emotions and cope with the challenges they might face.
As a long-time advocate for mental health awareness, Selvidge’s personal journey informs much of her work. Growing up, she navigated the complexities of having a family member with mental illness, an experience that deeply shaped her understanding of resilience and the importance of mental health. This personal insight has led to her goal of destigmatizing mental illness and showing children that their life story is not defined by the struggles they encounter. Through her books, Selvidge aims to teach children that while challenges may arise, they do not have to determine the course of one’s life.
Selvidge’s first book, Kloe’s New Start, has garnered significant recognition. The book has received multiple prestigious awards, including a Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Rating, the 2024 Family Choice Award, The Bookfest Award, the Royal Dragonfly Book Award, and the Literary Titan Gold Book Award. It was also honored with The International Impact Book Award. Additionally, Selvidge was nominated as a finalist for the Author of the Year Award for Children’s Social Impact, highlighting the importance of her work in addressing mental health within the realm of children’s literature.
This recognition speaks volumes about the book’s impact, not just in the literary world but also in the larger conversation around mental health. The story of Kloe’s New Start touches on vital themes such as the emotional complexity children face when dealing with family members who may not understand their needs. The story offers a sense of hope and empowerment, demonstrating that even when one’s life is filled with uncertainty, there is strength to be found within oneself.
Selvidge’s background extends far beyond her role as an author. With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit development and corporate social responsibility, Selvidge has worked with numerous global organizations, including the American Red Cross, the YMCA, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, helping them exceed their fundraising targets. This extensive experience in building strong partnerships has further fueled her drive to make a difference in the world of mental health, especially in the context of children and their families.
Through her writing, Selvidge is actively seeking partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations that focus on mental health and child development. She aims to create more awareness and foster conversations about how families can cope with mental health issues and how children can find strength in their own journeys. By combining her expertise in fundraising and social impact with her passion for storytelling, Selvidge is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change.
In addition to her work as an author, Selvidge is dedicated to promoting awareness of mental health and its effects on families. She believes in the power of storytelling as a tool for understanding and healing, and she is passionate about destigmatizing mental illness, especially in the context of children and families. Her stories not only provide insight into the challenges children face when growing up with a family member dealing with mental illness but also offer constructive ways to approach those challenges.
Selvidge’s message is clear: no one is defined by their circumstances, and it is possible to find resilience in even the most difficult situations. Her personal experience and commitment to mental health advocacy make her a distinctive voice in the realm of children’s literature. Through her writing, she is paving the way for future generations to better understand mental illness and develop the emotional tools they need to navigate their own challenges.
To learn more about Kathryn Selvidge and her mission to raise awareness around mental health, visit her website at KMSelvidge.com or follow her on Instagram at @Selvkat. For more information about Kloe’s New Start, visit her Facebook page.
To read more about Kloe’s New Start, including reviews and feedback from readers, visit Readers’ Favorite Review.
