My Birthmark by Afeerah Bacchus

‘My Birthmark is a children’s book dedicated to my beautiful daughter Samara who was born with CMN-
(congenital melanocytic nevus) a large pigmented birthmark on the left side of her face. I wanted to have something she can share in her first year of school because I know Children are curious. So with this book I sought to educate her peers and fellow kids on this rare beauty that exist.
Also this book is dedicated to all the CMN families. Growing up and being classified different is one of the hardest things a child can go through in school. I put myself in my daughter’s shoes and just wanted to find the easiest way to let others know what it is she has on her face without being questioned. Stares and looks make you feel uncomfortable, as a Parent it hurts to hear some remarks. I want to eradicate the obsession over beauty, it exists in all forms. If we let our kids know to accept each other as they are from a tender age they will grow up with that mindset of love and being loved no matter what.
To all my CMN families you know exactly how this feels. This book is meaht for young readers 4-9 years,
where they can clearly understand that “It’s just a birthmark” and that its okay to be different. We all’are in some way or the other. God created us as we are and loves us all. You are created to be YOU.
Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.