Two Owls and a Super Hero: The Sweet Story of Bob, Frank and Super D

Description

Two Owls and a Super Hero: The Sweet Story of Bob, Frank and Super D starts with a mission!

Meet Bob and Frank! They are two owls who love two things: eating cupcakes and reading about superheroes! When their favorite superhero pays these two special friends an unexpected visit, they are in for an extraordinary night. Join Bob and Frank as they take their love for sweet treats through the sky to bring joy to those who need it on a super adventure with Super D!

This book has been written to support and honor Devin Suau, a special boy who was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) — an aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. Although there is no cure for DIPG, Devin’s friends and family are working hard to raise awareness and bring a Super D miracle to children like Devin.

Devin Suau is six years old and the youngest of four boys. He has always easily stood out through his easygoing and fun-loving personality. He loves to make people laugh and is always making funny faces. Devin’s quick wit, special spunk, adorable dimples, and big eyes command attention from friends and family.

Devin has always been an amazing athlete from the moment he started to walk. Whether it’s swimming in the town pool, tearing it up on the soccer field, or running around on the lacrosse field, he has always been an extraordinary athlete and always excelled in nearly every sport.

Devin has a great love for the police and has firmly stated he will be an officer when he gets older. He also loves superheroes, most recently The Green Lantern who is known for his willpower and courage.

In January 2017 Devin was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a pediatric brain tumor. He and his family have courageously taken the diagnosis head on and are leveraging all their strength to beat the odds they were given as they search for a cure for Devin. Devin, while small, has shown how strong he truly is at an early age. He has channeled his inner superhero and Super D was modeled after Devin himself. Devin is a real life superhero and he is brave, strong and will be the first to defeat DIPG.
—Written in collaboration with Morgan Luibrand

Devin loves chocolate cupcakes with chocolate sprinkles.

WHAT IS DIPG?
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. Less than 1 percent of the children diagnosed live past 8 months to 2 years.

It is rare in that approximately 200–400 children in the United States are diagnosed each year and are usually between the ages of 4–11. This type of tumor is located in the “pons” of the brain and is inoperable. The progression of the tumor eventually affects all vital functions of the child’s body and they lose the ability to do a lot of things for themselves.
DIPG has no known cure. Radiation is often offered as a life-extending option however typically the results are merely a temporary relief of symptoms. Clinical trials are available but are expensive and financial responsibility falls solely on the family of the child.

Please consider donating to charities and funds that specifically support research for DIPG. These children deserve more and together we can make a difference.

About the Authors

Melissa Earls and her son Stephen (6) live with their family, Mike, Melissa’s husband and Stephen’s dad, and younger sisters Sienna (5), Lucia (2), and their dogs Zeke and Luigi.

Bob and Frank came alive when Stephen was 2 years old through a story Melissa created in an effort to thwart a temper tantrum. The silly tale quickly became Stephen’s favorite story and they often told the story together to friends and family. Through their shared love of art and creativity they co-authored and co-illustrated their first book in 2015, Bob and Frank: Two Owls Who Love to Eat Cupcakes. Melissa and Stephen decided to write this book in an effort to raise awareness and honor their friend Devin Suau and his family when Devin was diagnosed with DIPG in January 2017.

Stephen is also a great big brother to his two sisters, Sienna and Lucia. He loves to play sports with his friends. His favorite color is green and he loves Star Wars, Power Rangers, and Harry Potter! He is often told how kind and thoughtful he is to his friends. His favorite subject in school is math. He says the thing he is most proud of is that he is funny, fast, and always happy.

Melissa enjoys her #1 job of being a mom. She loves being able to act like a kid again while playing with her kids. She has always had a creative nature, loves to spend time with her family, and is passionate about fitness and adventures. Melissa works hard to have it all and along with being a mom works full time as an accomplished advertising executive and sales leader at a well-known online publisher.

Melissa loves red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting while Stephen prefers chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

About the Illustrator

Sarah Casasanto is a Boston-based graphic designer, illustrator, and the owner of SCBD: Sarah Cas Branding and Design. Known to family and friends as a spirited artist since she was a little girl, Sarah has turned a passion for design into a thriving business. Bringing a healthy mix of creativity, energy, and good humor to every project, Sarah embraces the unique visions and values of her clients, connecting them with fonts, colors, and contexts that efficiently and effectively tell their story. From families to firms, Sarah’s relentless and creative reach yields one-of-a-kind designs that engage and inspire audiences of all shapes and sizes from coast to coast.

Growing up in a suburb of Boston, Sarah studied Architecture and Design at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and subsequently, Graphic Design at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston. Today, she continues to reside in the suburbs with her husband Tony and their Olde English Bulldogge, Ellie. Connect with Sarah on Facebook, Instagram (@_scbd) and at sarahcas.com.

Sarah’s favorite cupcake is Funfetti with strawberry frosting.