Play Beside

Cheryl Devoto is a devoted mother of eight: two “homemade” and six “hand-picked”.  With most of her children now grown, she delights in time spent with 14 cherished grandchildren.  Residing in East Texas, Cheryl and her husband, Khris, are deeply committed to providing loving care for Kaleb, their source of boundless joy and determination as he navigates life with Dup15Q11 Syndrome.  Kaleb’s challenging journey inspires resilience and hope to those around him. The book cover depicts Kaleb and his cousin, showing the empathetic bond that can develop with an open heart.

 In a world where differences can sometimes seem like obstacles, Play Beside offers a heartwarming invitation for children to explore the common ground they share, celebrate their unique qualities, and embark on small gestures that build a bridge of friendship and understanding.

Julia Moroko is a Ukrainian illustrator who currently lives in the United Kingdom with her husband and daughter.  She was born in Lviv and trained as a printing designer,  working there for the first 5 years after her studies. Authors from all over the world turn to Julia to illustrate books of special significance. She particularly excels in digital pastel to create textured illustrations featuring  animals and children. In Play Beside, Julie demonstrates her exceptional ability to capture emotion..