🕊 The Shell & Feather Stories™
Gentle stories to help children understand brain change and illness.
💜 About the Series
The Shell & Feather Stories™ were created by Lora and Joey Frailey of Lasting Joy LLC, to help families and children talk about brain change with compassion, hope, and understanding.
Each story is inspired by real family experiences and guided by the Shell & Feather Care Style Framework™ — encouraging families to:
- See the Light in each moment
- Stay Gentle with themselves and others
- Stay Steady through changes
- Celebrate Joy every day
These stories open conversations between children and adults about dementia and other brain changes, helping everyone feel connected and supported.
📘 Book 1: Lavendria Duck & The Tangled Feathers
Now available on Amazon!
Lavendria Duck’s feathers aren’t smooth anymore, and Treasure Turtle is worried. Together, they learn that love, patience, and gentle understanding can help when someone’s mind begins to change.
This beautifully illustrated picture book is perfect for families, schools, and care communities who want to explain dementia or brain change to children in a hopeful, loving way.
📘 Book 2: Ironback Turtle & The Heavy Shell
Now available on Amazon!
When Ironback Turtle’s shell becomes heavier than ever before, his family learns that true strength isn’t about carrying every burden alone. Through love, courage, and the support of those around him, they discover that even during serious illness, hope and joy can still be found.
This beautifully illustrated picture book gently helps children understand serious illness, caregiving, family support, and grief with compassion, honesty, and hope. Perfect for families, schools, hospitals, hospice organizations, and care communities.
🐢 The Heart Behind the Stories
Each book in the series connects directly to the Shell & Feather Care Style Framework™, which brings together education, empathy, and joy in care relationships.
The stories reflect the same approach we teach through Lasting Joy LLC consulting and training — simple, ability-focused care that helps families stay connected even as brains change.
More Stories in the Series
✅ Book 1: Lavendria Duck & The Tangled Feathers (Available)
✅ Book 2: Ironback Turtle & The Heavy Shell (Available)
Coming Soon
Special Edition: Luma’s Journey
Lily Turtle and the Scattered Shells
Reed Turtle and the Gentle Current
Otto Octopus and the Changing Tides
Anya the Axolotl
Spark Turtle and the Reed
✨ Each Shell & Feather Story pairs a gentle children’s tale with a Family Guide, offering hope, support, and practical ways to connect.
💌 Join our email list to learn when each story is released.
✨ For Families & Educators
Coming soon:
Family Discussion Guides
Educator Lesson Plans
Storytime Resources for Libraries & Classrooms
If you’d like to bring The Shell & Feather Stories™ to your community or event:
📧 ljfrailey@lastingjoyllc.com