About the Author

Children’s book author Amanda Donahue’s background as an educator of young children, along with having five kids of her own, has exposed her to a broad spectrum of children’s books over the years, yet none that involved a child character with a birthmark.

 

Her new picture book, Tyler’s Purple Arm, is an uplifting story about a boy with a birthmark who uses his positive attitude to show his classmates that we are more than our skin. Amanda was inspired to write her story after visiting her children’s classrooms with her husband, Tyler, who was born with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) which produced a port-wine stain (purple birthmark) on his right arm.

 

Amanda created a heartwarming story that both normalizes this skin difference while teaching kids about it in the process, providing a poignant resource for families and teachers. Backed by the advice and support of Tyler’s doctors at the Mayo Clinic, Amanda was able to create a story that celebrates uniqueness, kindness, and acceptance.

Amanda graduated Magna Cum Laude from Illinois Wesleyan University, where she majored in Educational Studies and minored in Psychology. She lives with her husband, Tyler, and their five boys Central Illinois. Tyler’s Purple Arm is her debut picture book.