If everyone were the same, life would be exceedingly boring. This is how Catherine Gibson views being different and how she hopes children will see it too. Rather than being consumed with fitting in, she encourages children to see how beautiful the world would be if everyone were accepted for being exactly as they are.
She uses “For Children with Love” to teach children to embrace that which makes them different. Catherine draws from her own life experience, especially from when she was still a child, when creating her books, shows, and stories. Through this, she hopes to teach and inspire children worldwide.
About Catherine Gibson
Catherine has been a dance teacher for most of her life. After learning sign language at the American School for the Deaf, she decided to dedicate her time towards deaf children – and, in fact, all children. The experience had an immense impact on Catherine and prompted her journey in helping children through not only books and television shows, but also in her everyday life and interactions with the world at large. At this time, she decided to write her first book, “Through Sophie’s Eyes”.
Catherine’s books all address bullying, kindness, and perseverance. She has gone through her own experience of being bullied for her differences, but through this she is able to not only empathise with children who are being bullied, but she is also able to explain to children why not to bully.
The work Catherine does has been recognized, and appreciated, by many. Awards that she has received for her work include, the Mom’s Choice Award, Women of the Year Award, and Mark Twain Award. She hopes to continue making a difference in children’s lives and will therefore continue with her books, shows, and other positive messages.
Catherine Gibson’s Books
Both Catherine’s first book and her second book, “Sophie Discovers Synchronized Swimming”, teaches sign language down the side of each page. Other books written by her include “Coach Bob & Me”, “Lily Loves Books”, “Gracie Saves the Day!”, “Daisy Mae Finds her Way” and “What’s Your Something Special?”. Her books were all inspired by those who have made a difference in her life and touched her heart.
Catherine’s books and other platforms, such as social media and YouTube, all work towards the same purpose – to teach children to embrace their uniqueness. She wants children to be truly and authentically themselves, while doing what they love.
The Kidz Fun Squad
This children’s show, which is hosted by Catherine and Michael LaChance, is created with the same vision as for her books. The goal of the show is for children to have fun while learning new skills and life lessons. They teach children how to be kind to themselves and to others, and how to deal with the everyday things that life can throw at them.
Catherine’s Message
Catherine communicates to children in ways that are both positive and fun. She wants children to be able to accept their differences and quirks, because that is what makes them unique; what makes them special. Furthermore, she wants children to be themselves, her messages encourage children to not change themselves or try to be something that they’re not. They should do what makes them happy and stand up for what they believe in – even if it might be an unpopular opinion to have.
The people that surround you have a huge influence on who you are, and therefore she encourages children to surround themselves with people who are positive and supportive. That said, she also encourages children to be their own biggest cheerleaders – to believe in themselves.
Last Words
Catherine believes that public awareness of those who struggle with life challenges, has become a necessary issue to address, specifically in the world we live in today. She therefore addresses this on all her platforms, whether it be in her books, on talk shows, or social media. She not only addresses this, but she encourages those who are living with such challenges and differences to embrace it.
She teaches children that their difference is a special gift, and that they should embrace it, love it, and live life to the fullest!
Image Copyright: Catherine Gibson
