Author Brings Brain Health Out of the Shadows

A newly released children’s book, “Buddy the Brain,” by Franklin author Allison Rheaume, is designed to help young readers understand how the brain works and why protecting it matters. The book introduces basic concepts such as where the brain is located, what it does and how injuries can affect thoughts, feelings and behavior.

Although aimed in particular at kids, Rheaume said that educators, families and pediatric health professionals may find the book useful as a starting point for conversations about brain health and recovery. The publication includes guidance for parents and therapists supporting youngsters coping with brain injury.

The book’s design emphasizes accessibility. It uses large, clear type on solid backgrounds and avoids visually overwhelming illustrations, a choice intended to make reading easier for people with cognitive or visual challenges following injury. Illustrations are colorful enough to engage children while remaining simple and uncluttered.

Speech-language pathologist and certified brain injury specialist Taryn Barlow called the book “an essential resource that thoughtfully blends neuroscience and compassion,” adding that it helps families and therapists explain brain function while offering reassurance about healing and recovery.

Rheaume, a former physical education teacher, herself suffered a life-altering brain injury that robbed her of speech and much more beside. She had to relearn how to walk, read, and care for herself but eventually, with support of family and caregivers, recovered most of her capabilities. And, she emerged with a new mission that included educating others about brain injury.

The book, in ebook and paper back, is available from Amazon or  from Ingram Spark --
get paperback here and hardcover here.

An American Sign Language version is available here and a Braille version can also be requested here.

Upcoming Events, Include:

• March 13, 2026: MAHPERD Adapted PE Conference - book
  sales and signing
• March 20, 2026, 3:30-4:40pm: Franklin Public Library author
  reading and signing (no sales, byob) and illustration display
• March 28, 2026, 10:30-11:30am: Tatnuck Book Store in
  Westborough, MA - book sales, author reading, signing, and
  illustration display