Children’s Book about Ehlers-Danlos Published

It’s here! Bendy Bones and Stretchy Skin: An Ehlers-Danlos Book by Pey Carter and their daughter Abigail Bailey hits the virtual shelves on January 23, 2024. Chronic Pain Partners has previously covered the details of the book–where the idea came from, how it took shape, the advocacy Pey does that is portrayed in the book, and Abigail’s hope for the readers.

Now, those waiting in anticipation for one of the first children’s books about the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) can enjoy the hopeful and helpful story. The beautiful, soft illustrations by Katarina Stevanovic’–who has illustrated over 200 children’s books worldwide–support the book’s message of being kind to those who are different. Bendy Bones and Stretchy Skin is available for purchase as an e-book and hardcover book from Amazon. The book is available for pre-order now, and a free e-book download will be available for free on January 24th and 25th.

Pey and Abigail would love for anyone interested to attend their free book launch event on Sunday, February 11th from 2 pm to 5 pm. The event will be held at String Theory Studio located at 116 N Bridge Street in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and light refreshments will be available. Both authors will be there to sign books and talk with attendees. Bendy Bones and Stretchy Skin will be read aloud at 3:00 pm followed by a Q&A session with the authors. A limited number of books will be available for sale at this event. Bring your own copy of Bendy Bones and Stretchy Skin: An Ehlers-Danlos Book to be signed!

Another book signing will be held in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on Saturday, February 24th at 1 pm. Pey and Abigail will be at Bound to Happen Books–1008 Main Street, Stevens Point–to sign books. Copies of the book will be able to be purchased at the event or you can bring your own to be signed. Join Pey and Abigail to celebrate the launch of the book that took them a year to bring to life.

Two white female-presenting people look at the camera. The one on the left is shorter, with long, straight brown hair. She has on a teal long-sleeved shirt and small stuff zebra toy sits in her hand. The person on the right has shorter straight hair (to her chin) that is orange. This person is wearing a short-sleeved black shirt with writing on it. The writing is blocked by the shorter person on the left standing in front of the taller person. The taller person has their hands on the shoulders of the shorter person. There are paintings on the walls in the background. — Pey Carter, and their daughter, Abigail, are the authors of the
new children’s picture book, Bendy Bones and Stretchy Skin:
An Ehlers-Danlos Book. It is available for purchase at Amazon.

Pey is a passionate advocate, author, activist, and public speaker specializing in mental health, disabilities, and trauma. “My passion is how storytelling and narrative justice can foster deeper discussions and inspire change,” according to her website, PeyCarter.com. Abigail is a charming and fun-loving sixth-grader who wants other people who have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome to know they should “never give up and it’ll be okay.”

To learn more about Pey, their work, and other projects, visit Pey’s website, PeyCarter.com or find them on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Kate Schultz
January 2024