In this Author POV feature, we spotlight Beyond Words, a heartfelt intergalactic adventure that helps young readers explore empathy, compassion, and the many ways we can support one another through difficult times. The story follows Buddy, who learns that his friend Bunny is in the hospital and sets out to find the perfect thing to say. Unsure of how to comfort her, he uses his imagination to travel through outer space, meeting new friends who show him that love and care can be expressed in many forms. Helping, spending time together, gentle touch, and giving become powerful lessons he brings back home.
Created in partnership with Aflac and inspired by the company’s My Special Aflac Duck program for children with cancer and sickle cell disease, Beyond Words empowers readers to recognize that kindness does not depend on finding the perfect phrase. Sometimes presence, support, and small actions say more than words ever could. With its warm illustrations, coping strategies, and emphasis on emotional literacy, the book is a useful companion for families, educators, and young readers learning how to show up for others during challenging moments.
Can you introduce your book for librarians who may be discovering it for the first time?
Beyond Words is an intergalactic adventure exploring the depths of empathy, love, and understanding. When Buddy’s friend is returning to school after being in the hospital, he wants to find the perfect words to make her feel better.
Through the magic of his imagination, he journeys through outer space in search of what to say. After a series of heartwarming experiences and out-of-this-world encounters, he overcomes obstacles and discovers ways to express love and friendship through helping, spending time together, loving touch, and giving.
Beyond Words empowers readers of all ages to be kind, loving, and compassionate with themselves and others. Kids will learn coping and comforting skills, as well as ways to take action to help friends and communicate love and support beyond words.
Inspired by the overwhelming response to its My Special Aflac Duck® program supporting children with cancer and sickle cell disease, Beyond Words is Aflac’s newest message of love and compassion, with 100 percent of the net proceeds from this book going to childhood cancer and sickle cell disease research and treatment.
What inspired you to write this book, and what core themes do you hope readers take away from it?
I was thrilled when I received the call to help Aflac develop a children’s book with a central focus on empathy. For 30 years, Aflac has been doing incredible work for children with cancer and blood disorders, and with 100 percent of the net proceeds benefiting research and treatment, I knew this would be a great opportunity to give back and be part of something really special.
I wrote Beyond Words to have a meaningful impact on children, with inspiration from My Special Aflac Duck. The main character Buddy is worried that his friend Bunny is not at school; after learning she’s in the hospital, Buddy wants to find the right words to make her feel better. Through the magic of his imagination, he sets off on an intergalactic adventure. Along his travels, he meets some special new friends who teach him that there are so many ways to express love and friendship Beyond Words: helping, spending time together, loving touch, and giving.
I’m proud of this project – and each one of my 19 books, but what is most impactful is – Aflac has given nearly $200 million to date for this initiative, and I’m honored our book will help make a difference.
I hope that children and adults reading Beyond Words will discover that even if you can’t find the words for a friend who is sick or hurt, just being there for them is what matters most.
Are there companion resources librarians or educators should know about?
Librarians, educators, and readers can visit www.Aflac.com/BeyondWords for free resources to accompany the book. You can listen to the audio version and follow along as Research Astronaut Kellie Gerardi provides an out of this world experience, download fun coloring pages featuring Buddy and his friends, and send words of encouragement to children facing illness and their families to help remind them they are not alone.
Which formats are currently available? (Hardcover, paperback, ebook, audiobook, bilingual editions, large print, classroom sets, ISBNs, and whether bulk discounts or school pricing options exist.)
Beyond Words is currently available in hardcover and paperback edition.
Hardcover ISBN - 978-1665784580
Paperback ISBN - 978-1665778596
Hardcover, paperback, and bulk discounts for schools and wholesale are available atwww.Aflac.com/BeyondWords.
How could this book be used in community events or themed programming throughout the year? (For example: Earth Day, Black History Month, Pride, Hispanic Heritage Month, etc.)
Beyond Words is a fun children’s picture book with a powerful message any day of the year, but would be particularly meaningful on the following days/months:
Special Days
International Childhood Cancer Day – February 15
World Kindness Day – November 13 (and Kindness Week November 9-15)
Awareness Months
National Cancer Research Month – May
National Cancer Survivor Month - June
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – September
Sickle Cell Awareness Month – September
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month – September
Hand-out Aflac
Aflac Beyond Words Author Sheri Fink
Author Sheri Fink with Beyond Words.
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