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Written by local resident Brian Rawls-McQuillan is a father, technology leader, artist, and debut children's-book author based in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lives with his husband and their two young sons. His first book, "Honey Badger Has a Heart," was inspired by watching his younger son explore the world at age seven with an incredible zeal for life. Brian began to recognize that the same qualities that can test a parent's patience-boundless energy, curiosity, fearlessness, determination, and mischief-are often the qualities that make childhood so joyful. Challenging and wonderful can both be true at the same time.Too often, spirited children are labeled "too loud," "too wild," "too stubborn," or simply "too much." Over time, those labels can influence how others see them and, eventually, how they see themselves. Through "Honey Badger Has a Heart," Brian celebrates the whole child: the wildness and the tenderness, the independence and the connection, the chaos and the enormous heart behind it all .Brian sees the honey badger as a fitting spirit animal for Generation Alpha-bold, determined, curious, and ready to take on the world. As a parent, he feels fortunate to have a front-row seat as this remarkable generation begins shaping the future .For Brian, writing this book was a little like bottling lightning: a way to preserve the spirit of childhood while reminding families that big energy and a very big heart often live in the same child.
It's the kind of book that makes kids laugh and giggle while sharing a message every parent knows to be true: our kids can be wild, wiggly, rambunctious, loud, and completely full of energy... and still have the biggest hearts imaginable
Meet Lolly Ollie, a spunky, sporty seven-year-old honey badger who can't sit still. He zips up the couch (Mount Couchemous), rockets down the banister (Stairmorous), sneaks snacks, makes a mess, and dances until the lampstand shakes.
But when the music quiets and the zooming slows, something unexpected shines through-Lolly Ollie's big, caring heart. From hugging his brother when he's down to snuggling up with Dad, Ollie reminds us that love is found in the pauses between the adventures.
Perfect for fans of silly rhymes and energy, this story combines rollicking humor with a touching message about family, kindness, and the big hearts hiding inside even the busiest little ones.
Why kids and parents will love it:
- Whimsical, rhyming text that's fun to read aloud
- Illustrations full of bright color and playful detail
- A relatable, mischievous hero every child (and parent!) will recognize
- A gentle reminder that every child's heart shines in its own way
Get ready to giggle, cheer, and maybe even tear up-because Honey Badger Has a Heart will have your family saying, "Lolly Ollie has a heart... and so do you!"
