Book Nook: Doctor Owlkin and The H.O.M.E Team

 Dr. Owlkin and the H.O.M.E team, a series of children's books by Dr. Terri Howard-Hughes & Clint Hughes, has a story set to change the world. Based in Hopeville, the H.O.M.E (Help Or Motivate Everybody) team celebrates characters differences or disabilities, and promotes inclusivity and inclusion for children aged 6-10. This series is devoted to raising the self-esteem and confidence of children with special needs and teaching other children acceptance of those. Even though others may be “different,” we find that inside everybody just wants to be loved, encouraged, accepted, appreciated, and included. Dr. Owlkin is quick to remind readers, "It’s WHOOOOOO you are on the inside that matters most!"

 

The current collection follows the stories of the following characters, who learn to transform their disability into a superpower:

• Trouble, the Bloodhound with extraordinarily long ears
• King Tux, the cat with big personality and brains
• Pirate, a lop-eared bunny with one eye
• Goldie, the Golden Retriever with a missing forearm

With many more to come! You can learn more regarding each character here.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

1. Why did you create this series?

During the pandemic, we saw so much conflict, which inspired us to write a series of children’s books that would encourage young children to be kind and accepting of others. The Doctor Owlkin book series wants to raise the self-esteem and confidence of children with special needs, disabilities, or “differences” and widen their horizons to more opportunities. Also, we want to teach other children the inclusion of those with “differences” or disabilities because you can make friends if you keep your eyes open and have an open mind. We want to give back, so we are donating a portion of the proceeds to different children’s charities. 

2. Why is it important for kids to have books that promote inclusivity?

Even though others may be “different,” we find that inside, everybody just wants to be loved, encouraged, accepted, appreciated, and included! Each book addresses a new “difference” to teach children why that character is special and that we are all “different and unique” in some way. As Doctor Owlkin always reminds the team, “It’s WHOOOOOO you are on the inside that matters most!”

3. How can families encourage their kids to be truly inclusive of all differences - whether that's neurodiversity, skin color, body differences, or something else? 

The book series gives parents the opportunity to use the characters in the stories to openly discuss with their children that what matters is who the person is on the inside and not to judge somebody else even though they may look, sound, or act differently.

4. Where can readers connect with you or find your books?

The books are available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/s?k=doctor+owlkin+and+the+h.o.m.e.+team&i=stripbooks&crid=17UZA79J3N1H0&sprefix=doctor+owlkin+%2Cstripbooks%2C149&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_14

On the website-https://www.DrOwlkin.com

Via email -
Dr. Terri Howard-Hughes - terrihowardhughes@gmail.com, 

Clint Hughes - clinthughesmba@gmail.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrOwlkin

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSWczQiPWi8wClMBdcTzow 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TheHOMETeamHel1 

Dr. Owlkin and the H.O.M.E Team directly benefits St. Jude & Scottish Rite's Children's Hospitals, and is currently working towards further development. 

The mission of the Doctor Owlkin book series is to raise the self- esteem and confidence of children with special needs, disabilities, or differences and teach other children acceptance and inclusion of those with differences or disabilities. When children look past their differences, they find that inside everyone wants to be accepted, appreciated, included, and encouraged! Doctor Owlkin, the members of The H.O.M.E. Team (Help Or Motivate Everybody), and the characters in the books become the heroes who find a way to make their diversity and differences an attribute or advantage. The stories encourage those with differences to be their best!

The H.O.M.E. Team is led by wise old Doctor Owlkin and loving Nurse Sharky, who bring together their helpers. The first four books in the series tell the amazing stories of each of the helpers. The H.O.M.E. Team includes Trouble, a Bloodhound who was born with extraordinarily long and useful ears; King Tux, a tiny cat who has a BIG personality and smarts; Pirate, a lop-eared rabbit with only one eye who sees the world in a unique way; and Goldie, a Golden Retriever, who was born with 3 1⁄2 legs, but doesn’t let that stop her from being a hero. Each of these characters has adapted and developed special skills – their superpowers – that allow them to uplift and encourage others. Each book addresses a new difference to teach children why that character is special.

As Doctor Owlkin always reminds the team,

“It’s WHOOOOOO you are on the inside that matters most!”