Discover The Ladybug Hug
A Heartwarming Journey
The Ladybug Hug takes readers on a delightful adventure where love and kindness shine through. Each hug shared brings joy and comfort, making this book perfect for children and adults alike.
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About the Author
About Katie Shatusky
Katie, an accomplished Executive Director and Co-Founder of Thumbs Up, a nonprofit founded in 2014 in honor of her late grandfather, Bob Schmit, who died by suicide in November 2010.
Katie has a diverse educational background in business, multimedia, and graphic design. Katie's work experience spans various fields, including marketing, photography, event planning, sponsorship sales, and nonprofit management. This diverse experience contributes to her holistic approach in her current role, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and management of the nonprofit. Her journey includes navigating the challenges of major depressive disorder and anxiety, experiences that have fueled her passion for mental health advocacy.
Through these struggles, Katie has developed a deep understanding of the importance of support and resilience. Her commitment to help others facing similar battles is a testament to her empathy, compassion and dedication. Katie's family has a history of kidney disease, with her maternal grandmother suffering from polycystic kidney disease (PKD), affecting her mother, two uncles, and her brother. This background inspired Katie to confront her fears and take action, leading her to donate a kidney to a complete stranger in October 2020. This decision reflects her desire to help others and her resilience in navigating personal and familial health challenges.
In addition to her executive role, Katie is the author and illustrator of the children's book The Ladybug Hug, which aims to promote mental health awareness and the importance of a 20-second hug among young readers.
She is a dedicated mother to two daughters, Asha and Berklie, and her experiences as a parent have further fueled her passion for mental health advocacy. She has been married to her husband, Todd, for 15 years. Just two months after their wedding, she faced the heartbreaking loss of her grandfather to suicide. In 2016, recognizing the need for support, Katie and Todd began attending church, which has become a vital source of strength and guidance in their lives.
For more information about Katie, visit: https://linktr.ee/hugsfromMN
Katie is Passionate about 20 Second Hugs!
Katie Shatusky is an imaginative author and illustrator known for her enchanting storytelling and vibrant artwork. As the creative force behind The Ladybug Hug, Katie delights young readers with her engaging tales that celebrate the magic of childhood and the wonders of the natural world.
One of Katie's signature concepts is the "20-Second Hug," inspired by the idea that hugging can foster emotional connections and promote well-being. In her book, she encourages children to embrace this simple yet powerful gesture, reminding them of the warmth and comfort that comes from sharing hugs with family and friends. Through engaging stories and playful illustrations, Katie teaches young readers the importance of connection, kindness, and love in their everyday lives.
Enthusiastic about connecting with children and inspiring a love for reading, Katie often visits elementary schools to share her stories through interactive readings. Her unique blend of narrative and art captivates audiences, making her an unforgettable presence in the world of children's literature. Discover more about her delightful creations and the heartwarming message behind the "20-Second Hug" at www.theladybughug.com.
Welcome to The Ladybug Hug
Discover the heartwarming world of The Ladybug Hug! This enchanting book, perfect for children eight and under, shares the joy of hugs. Join our lovable ladybug as she spreads love and comfort to all. Visit us at theladybughug.com for more hugs!
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The Ladybug Hug
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