Written and Illustrated by Colleen Murray Fisher

$10.95

Does liking peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, or painting with your toes, or even having an imaginary friend make a person strange? That’s what the kids say about Bernadette. But when Bernadette meets Sofie, a new neighbor, Bernadette realizes that her uniqueness is nothing strange at all.

Praise for The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen

“Colleen Murray Fisher affirms that uniqueness can be a precious gift that one should embrace. Teaching children to be true to themselves will serve them throughout their lives. What a wonderful lesson Bernadette P. McMullen offers to us all.”

—Kathleen Hofmeister
Counselor, Teacher & Mother, Hayes Elementary, Livonia Public Schools

“This is an inspiring story about how a young girl overcomes feelings of sadness, loneliness, and inadequacies from being teased by her peers for embracing differences that truly make her special and unique. With so much pressure to fit in, children can become vulnerable to peer pressure which challenges their ability to cope and impacts their self-esteem. With positive support and encouragement from others, children can be guided to embrace who they are as well as appreciate the differences of others. Bernadette demonstrates how, with support and acceptance, we can celebrate unique qualities in ourselves and others that foster positive self-worth, acceptance, and companionship.”

—Carissa Mayer
Child Psychologist

“This story teaches that it’s important to be yourself. You shouldn’t try to be like everyone else because a real friend is someone that likes you just the way you are. I also liked the illustrations because they were colorful and full of details.”

—Rebecca M.
Second Grade Student, Hayes Elementary

“Author Colleen Murray Fisher is an outstanding teacher and a caring person, representative of so many educators in our school district and across the nation. The book, The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen shares a message that our school community also embraces, so much so that it is clearly outlined in our school district’s Shared Vision:”

‘We are a caring community that knows and lifts every child. Therefore, we see a school district where we provide a safe, joyful, welcoming environment for all who enter; and we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual in a climate of acceptance and understanding.’

The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen is written proof of what we believe in for children. Thanks to Colleen for sharing her story.”

—Randy Liepa, Ph. D.
Superintendent, Livonia Public Schools