Reviews
Having worked extensively in my practice with survivors of sexual
molestation, I know how frighteningly alone they often feel with
the shame that is their secret. This book offers permission and
encouragement to reveal that secret, which in turn provides the
opportunity to move from shame to healing. Congratulations to the
authors for helping to break the devastating silence.
—Judy Justin, M.A., L.M.F.T., Fallbrook, CA
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The book, My Imaginary Friend, tells the story of a
seven-year-old girl by the name of Kathann. Kathann is an innocent
child with a wonderful and creative imagination. Her creativity
helps her face the terrible secret that she is a victim of sexual
abuse. Through Kathann’s imagination, she meets Becky, a young girl
who encourages her to confront the secret and face her fears of
sharing the secret with an adult.
Told from a child’s perspective, the story is a wonderful tool
to help children gain the courage to speak out when they find
themselves molested or abused by an adult. In a supportive and
gentle dialogue, the authors raise important issues of trust and
fears about the results of telling. The well-crafted illustrations
that accompany the story will help children follow Kathann’s journey
of taking the first step toward survival and healing.
Kathann is a young girl faced with dealing with the terrible
secret of being a victim of molestation. Through the eyes and
imagination of Kathann, children who are victims of abuse will learn
from Kathann’s experience that they have the ability to conquer
their pain and fears and take that crucial step of telling an adult.
Unfortunately, there are many child predators in society. With
a comfortable and easy to read story of strength and encouragement,
My Imaginary Friend not only benefits children who are victims of
abuse, but will also help other children speak out if something bad
happens to them. My Imaginary Friend teaches children that they have
the strength to tell an adult when someone hurts them. It is also a
wonderful way for parents to discuss the topic with their children
without scaring them. The book would be a great addition to
libraries.
—Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services
About the Book
In My Imaginary
Friend, seven-year-old Kathann has a big secret—one she tries
never to think about.
Kathann likes to
do is daydream that she is a princess whose father protects her from
ever being hurt. She escapes into this same daydream whenever her
step dad comes into her room late at night.
A girl appears
who only Kathann can see. At first Kathann is surprised and uncertain
until she learns this girl is a friend—and that she understands
Kathann's secret. With her new friend's encouragement, Kathann
finally lets her secret be known.
About the author
Shirley Ann
Povondra, a retired business owner, has pusblished numerous articles
in magazines on a variety of different topics. Shirley currently
lives in Bonsall, California.
Co-author,
Kathryn Andrew is the owner of an organizing company. She resides in
Riverside, California.
