I AM GROOT! No, not that Groot—I’m Michelle Groot, also known as Shelly, Auntie Shelly, Mom, and Mrs. Michelle. I became an author because I wanted to turn my nephew into a goblin—but not just any goblin! A kind goblin with a very important message for both children and adults!
My nephew Ryan had already beaten cancer once. At five, he was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor and went through chemotherapy and radiation. He beat it and grew into an amazing young man.
At 22, soon to be 23, Ryan was diagnosed with an extremely rare stage-four metastatic melanoma. When his hemoglobin dropped to 2, our family saw firsthand how blood transfusions can help save a life and give loved ones more time together.
Ryan would jokingly call himself “the hemoglobin.” That night, Ryen Ryen the Hemogoblin was born. He was created out of fear, love, bravery, and purpose. With the help of Grace Armstrong, we brought him to life on the page. Now, Ryen Ryen continues to find his way into the hands of people who are hurt, sick, and scared.
Listening to little voices try to say “Hemogoblin” is so cute even though it can be a tricky word and hemoglobin can be even trickier to explain to a two year old.
After bringing Ryen Ryen the Hemogoblin to life, I kept thinking about the five year old Ryan who inspired him. I wanted younger children to meet that little boy, too .Experience his kind heart and the courage he showed, even when he was afraid. I pictured 23-year-old Ryen Ryen holding five year old Ryen Ryen’s hand.
Book Baby helped me bring them both to life for little readers.
I’m now introducing Little Ryen Ryen, who carries the same undeniable energy Ryan had as a five year old. You can feel it. You can see it. He was a little person who brought so much love and light wherever he went. Even when he was afraid, he did the scary thing anyway. Then he found his smile and shared it.
My sister- Ryan’s mom- and I hope children will fall in love with that little boy and see that kindness and courage can begin at a very young age.
You can be afraid and brave at the same time.
Ryan’s kind spirit lives on through the words in the books and through action, too.
Every act of kindness, every donation, every blood drive shares a superpower we all possess: the power to help someone else.
The message of Ryen Ryen the Hemogoblin continues in a new ebook, When I’m Afraid, I Can Do Scary Things Anyway.
It is an affordable , easy-to-download reminder that you can do scary things anyway.
