BRANTFORD, Ontario - s4story -- Author and illustrator George Neeb clearly remembers the day that he was body shamed. "When I was younger, I struggled with my weight. I had to wear plus-size jeans. I would pull my sweater down to try and hide the label. One day, I accidentally revealed the label and soon my classmates were laughing and calling me some very unflattering names." It may sound like a funny story now, but the memory is still painful for Neeb. It prompted him to create a plus-size main character for his picture book titled Abby Beech.

"In the story, Abby seems confident until she is body shamed at her new school, She begins to feel helpless." Neeb says he wants to create books with diverse characters so all children can see themselves represented. Though out this story, Abby learns to deal with body image, self-esteem and making healthy friendships. "I based the story on my own experiences plus my observations from years of teaching elementary school." Neeb hopes the realistic tone of the story will empower readers. "The main character comes up with a probable solution to being bullied," says Neeb. "As parents and teachers, we think that we have to be the ones to solve bullying issues, but instead we need to help kids figure out solutions that will best work for them."

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Neeb illustrated his book with cut and dyed paper. "I love creating illustrations using materials and methods that readers can replicate," says Neeb. "When I taught school, I would make dyed paper picture books with my students. I explain in the back of this book and have a Youtube video showing how I dye my paper and create my illustrations."

Neeb has created three historical picture books: Duel With A Dragon, about Ancient China, and Pharaoh's Arrow and Akia's Adventure which are set in Ancient Egypt. "This story is more contemporary," says Neeb. "But I felt it was an important and helpful story to tell."

More information can be found at https://georgeneeb.ca

Neeb's books can be found at major online retailers: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=george+neeb&ref=nb_sb_noss_1