Meet Maliboo, Roxy's sweet friend from the Adventures of Roxy.
Maliboo is missing one ear, giving children a gentle way to talk about visible differences, kindness, and celebrating what makes each of us unique.
This soft, lovable plush is perfect for comfort, friendship, and starting meaningful conversations about inclusion and acceptance.
Available for pre-order. Ships mid July.
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Being shorter/taller than your peers, wearing glasses, having an allergy, missing a limb, being hard of hearing, struggling with reading, or using a wheelchair, are only a few examples of how your child may feel different.
Roxy helps your child learn to accept themselves while also accepting others. The books teach your child that we are all the same on the inside and that differences should be celebrated.
“Local author and physical therapist, Hillary Sussman, visited Jarrettown Elementary this Fall to help kick off our Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Program. Hillary's engaging children's stories taught our students important lessons about kindness and inclusion and were a perfect tie-in to the Behavioral Expectations currently being established in our school community. Her inspiring stories assisted us in our efforts to teach students how to be kind and accepting of differences. Hillary varied her presentation methods, incorporated humor, and won over all of our students in Grades K thru 5. Without a doubt, we would LOVE to have Hillary return in future years to share her message of kindness with our students!”
Dr. Jason Hamer, Upper Dublin School District/Building Principal
“Our students were absolutely captivated by the story of Roxy and Maliboo. Its message of kindness, inclusion, and embracing differences resonated deeply with them, aligning perfectly with the values we strive to nurture in our school community. The relatable characters and engaging narrative provided an excellent springboard for meaningful discussions about treating others with respect and understanding. The story not only entertained but also inspired our students to think critically about their own actions and how they can contribute to a more inclusive environment. It was a wonderful reminder that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of positivity in the world.”
Kristen Haugen, Meadowbrook School Director of Academic Advancement
“We recently had an author visit with Hillary Sussman. Teachers and students in Grades K-5 remained engaged with her presentation which included book readings, activities, and discussions. Her books with animal characters deal with the topics of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging). During discussions, it was clear the students could relate the books’ stories to situations in their own lives. Many learned a new word, “empathy.” Hillary’s message through her book was loud and clear, “it’s okay to be different.” I highly recommend a school or library visit with Hillary!”
Catherine Scholl, Library Media Specialist
“Roxy and Maliboo: It's Okay to Be Different is making a last impression in our house! Both my 3-year-old and 5-year-old boys love this story (looove the rhymes) and adorable images of Roxy and Maliboo and the way the pictures capture the pup's emotions. Hillary is BRILLIANT for combining her book with free online activities and lessons that have a unique way of keeping the story of Roxy and Maliboo in front of their little minds as they approach each day. My youngest son loves his Roxy stuffed animal so much that it's his stuffed animal of choice to bring to daycare for nap time. Hillary is really on to something!”
Amy, Mother of two
“I am an amputation rehabilitation physician based out of Denver. I was given the opportunity to teach my son’s Kindergarten class about limb loss and prosthetic interventions for limb loss and limb difference awareness month. Roxy and Maliboo was the perfect book to read and it sparked some great conversations that 5 and 6-year-olds could understand. The added free activity sheets on the website were a bonus as kids were waiting for the prostheses to be passed around.”
Dr. Noel F. So, Amputation Rehabilitation Physiatrist
“This creative children's book is an absolute MUST for anyone helping children to learn about and accept differences. It is told from the perspective of a 3-legged dog, yearning to be included by other dogs at the park. The story is written as a poem and the illustrations are wonderful! Roxy and Mailboo will certainly help children to feel that it's OKAY to be different! It tells the story of strength, courage, and inclusion.....and has a happy ending! Highly recommend!”
Dana, Elementary School Teacher
“Throughout April in support of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Hillary spread extraordinary awareness through her Roxy books, activities, and events she held at local PA schools. My sons both love her books and I’m truly inspired by Hillary and her approach to spreading kindness while raising important limb loss/limb difference awareness about embracing differences.”
Nicole Gross, Community Impact Director at American Heart Association
“Hillary has written meaningful stories for children! She put on amazing assembly for the Kindergarteners at my school this month. So many families and students loved her message about inclusion, kindness, difference, empathy, and respect! Towards the end of the year, Roxy and Mailboo became one of my classroom favorites with the plush toy! Highly recommend her books and assemblies!”
Brianna Farzetta, Elementary School Teacher
“This second book in her series is as wonderful as the first! I'm excited to have another tool in my toolbox to share with my child on the importance of trusting yourself and surrounding yourself with the right friends. Also just how easy it can be to stand up for yourself without being confrontational by speaking from the heart. Hillary....please keep your books coming!”
Robert, Father
“I bought this book for my 3 1/2-old grandson. He loved the 1st book so I had to buy the 2nd. I’m giving it to him for Christmas but I read it and am so excited to read it to him. It’s never too early to teach about bullying. This book really teaches a great life lesson. Would recommend anyone with children to purchase it. Can’t wait to see what comes next in this series. Amazing!”
Tracey
“The book was very engaging for students and applicable to students’ family lives. It was really nice to see real-life pictures and video clips. The presentation was very kid friendly allowing students to relate to the book. Students showed great interest in the story and were so excited to have the books in their classroom!”
Adena Herman, Reading Specialist
“Love! Love! Love! The story is written as a super cute poem and the message is one any child who is feeling different can relate to. And, spoiler alert...it has a happy ending with an important message: it’s okay to be different. A definite must-buy for any parent, grandparent, teacher, or anyone who reads to children.”
Naomi
“I thought the books were both well-written and attention-grabbing for the students at my school. Hillary did a fabulous job keeping all the students engaged. The students really enjoyed the presentation. Looking forward to the next Roxy book!”
Rachel Demchick, Neidig Elementary School Librarian
“Such a relatable lesson to help kids understand and accept differences in others. Written with animal persons, Hillary allows children to ask hard questions and parents to instill values of acceptance, love, and championing the inclusive attitude. Easy read well worth the lesson!”
Antonia
“As a therapist and mom this is an amazing story teaching inclusivity to our children - so needed these days!! The story was thoughtful and easy to understand and the illustrations were beautifully done. A must for all ages right now!”
Bethany
“Thank you for a wonderful presentation today! Our students and faculty really enjoyed learning about Roxy, Maliboo, and Tully! Our faculty especially loved the message of kindness that you taught to our students today!”
Jenifer Nevins, Saint Agnes School Advancement Director
“Roxy and Maliboo is a great book to help students appreciate differences in each other as well as help to celebrate their own uniqueness. The students are drawn into the characters and are eagerly waiting their turns to check the book out of our library!”
Betsy Leschinsky, Library Teacher
“This book teaches the importance of friendship and unity, and the power of our words-all while promoting anti-bullying. These books need to be in schools for sure! My 4-year-old daughter loves it, but I recommend it for older children as well!"
Cara, Mother of two
“The students really enjoyed the books and the author's visit. The stories had something special for each age group, and our copies of the books were checked out immediately as soon as we received them!”
Lynne Wilkins, Rydal Elementary Librarian
Hillary Sussman is a mother of three children and has been a physical therapist in the Philadelphia area for over 25 years.
After working with many clients living with physical and cognitive differences, and seeing her dog, Roxy, undergo her fourth surgery, she was inspired to create a book series to help children with differences gain more confidence and not let any limitations dictate their self-worth.
She has successfully combined her love for helping others with her love for dogs to create a character that is lovable and represents all children who feel different.
Hillary lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three children, and her dogs. Her hobbies include golf, exercise, traveling, and skiing.
Yes, both books are fun and colorful, but teach life lessons about kindness, empathy, and inclusion.
Both of Roxy's books are fit for any child from Pre-K to 5th grade, as these topics transcend age and are so important in the elementary school years to shape how children feel about themselves and others.
Yes! Roxy's third adventure is already completed, it is called, “Roxy and the Birthday Party, Be Brave.” It is currently being submitted for publication.
They sure are! You can get the hardcover version, or paperback version, or the digital copy for something such as your e-book device.
Each order comes with inclusive activities and lollipops! You can also purchase the stuffed three-legged Roxy.
Our dog Roxy has been a very big part of our lives, she is 13 now and has struggled over the years with multiple surgeries. In the last one, however, the vet shared that she almost lost her leg. This helped spark the idea for my first book.
My book series teaches children kindness, empathy, inclusion, and acceptance. The message is important, and I hope parents can use these books as resources to teach these universally important life lessons through the experiences of a three-legged dog.
I have once favorite seen from each book.
In the first book, my favorite scene is where Roxy shares the story of losing her leg with Maliboo. She demonstrates empathy, helping Maliboo see that missing an ear or a leg does not define your self-worth. Roxy helps Maliboo gain inner strength to play with the other dogs, who accept both of them despite their unique features.
In the second book, I love when "Tully the Bully" apologizes to all of the animals for everything he has said and done to them in the past. He learns that words are powerful and that what you say and how you say it can greatly impact others.
That "it's okay to be different" and bringing Roxy's books into your life can be like making a lifelong friend.
I do plan to continue writing more books in the series; with each new book, I'm dedicated to expanding the diversity of characters and enriching the inclusive narrative of Roxy's adventures. I also aim to offer representation that resonates with a broad spectrum of readers.
