From Grief to Giving: Michele Hornsby’s ‘Just In Time To Be Kind’ Reflects Her Son’s Legacy of Compassion

Anniston, AL – Local business owner Michele Hornsby, the proud proprietor of Redbird Willow Farm, is eagerly anticipating the release of her deeply personal children’s book, Just In Time To Be Kind . Written in memory of her late son, Justin, the book reflects his legacy of kindness and compassion. Scheduled for release on October 1st, it has already gained significant traction, with over 80 pre-orders through major retailers like Amazon and Target. Michele has been touched by the support she has received, including many individuals buying multiple copies to donate to local libraries and schools.

The creation of Just In Time To Be Kind is a testament to Michele’s journey through grief and her desire to honor Justin’s memory. The story, which is aimed at children aged 3 to 10, was born during a sleepless night when Michele visualized the entire narrative, including each character and interaction. Despite the initial excitement, capturing the story on paper proved emotionally challenging, and it took several years to complete. Michele found it difficult to share the deeply personal manuscript even with her husband at first.

With encouragement from her husband, Michele sought the assistance of a family member experienced in publishing. Her manuscript eventually came into the hands of local author Beth Duke, who immediately recognized its potential and praised its central message of kindness. Beth connected Michele with Little Steps Publishing and the book was accepted for publication, marking a significant milestone in Michele’s journey.

The book’s characters are deeply rooted in Michele’s and Justin’s real-life experiences and in the actions she saw in Justin’s childhood.  One prominent character is Grandma Ruby, Justin’s adoptive grandmother, who shared a special bond with him. Another key figure is Kevin, a homeless man based on someone Michele has gotten to know through the memories of his grieving mother. The book also features Daisy, Justin’s childhood dachshund, and Sean, Justin’s best friend and college roommate, whose family remains close to Michele and her husband, Ray. These characters not only add depth to the story but also reflect the genuine connections and values that Justin held dear.

Illustrating the book was a crucial aspect of the process, as Michele wanted to ensure the characters, particularly Justin, were depicted exactly as she imagined them. Finding the right illustrator was challenging, but it was essential for bringing the story to life in a way that honored Justin’s memory.

Just In Time To Be Kind centers on Justin’s “superpower” of kindness, with a narrative that encourages children to recognize and act on opportunities to be kind. The story includes a poignant moment where Justin’s mother gives him a superhero cape, symbolizing her pride in his compassionate nature. The book concludes with a touching scene involving a dog that belonged to Kevin. After Justin shows kindness to Kevin, the dog follows him home, and Kevin allows Justin to keep the dog, underscoring the lasting impact of kindness.

To celebrate the book’s release, Michele is holding a special giveaway for a big red Yeti cooler on wheels. Those who pre-order the book by the end of September can enter the drawing by sending a screenshot of their purchase. Each copy purchased counts as an additional entry. To send a screenshot of your purchase please email redwillowfarm@gmail.com , text to 256-239-3067 , or through social media .

A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to mental health organizations focused on children’s emotional well-being, while the remaining funds will support Redbird Willow Farm’s mission. Additionally, Michele plans to sell superhero capes, bears, and other items as merchandise to remind children of their own power to be kind.

Through Just In Time To Be Kind , Michele aims to keep Justin’s memory alive and inspire children to embrace kindness in their lives. The book is more than just a tribute to her son; it is a movement to spread compassion and empathy. Michele hopes that the story will resonate with readers, reinforcing the profound impact that simple acts of kindness can have on others.

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