A new children’s book written by Wartburg College alumna and Waverly resident Kelsey Baker will be unveiled May 20, at 10 a.m., on the first floor of Vogel Library on the Wartburg College campus.

The event marks the release of “Our Special Family,” a children’s book about a boy with a hereditary condition told from his brother’s point of view.

Baker and her husband, Nick, have two young boys, ages 2 and 3, one of whom tested positive for biotinidase deficiency by the Iowa Newborn Screening Program. Biotinidase deficiency is an inherited condition caused by the lack of an enzyme called biotinidase, which normally allows the body to recycle biotin. Biotin is essential for normal metabolism. Early treatment with biotin supplementation results in normal growth and development.

“A family is like a puzzle,” the book reads. “The pieces look somewhat alike but each one is different. Every person is a very important piece to make our family complete – just like putting together puzzle pieces to make a special picture.”

Baker worked closely with Emma Thiede, a Wartburg junior who illustrated “Our Special Family,” and Peggy Pruisner, a Wartburg professor of education who provided editing. Wednesday’s event will be during Pruisner’s Reading Research class. 

In addition to discussing the process of making the book, Baker will talk about the impact of newborn screening on her family, advocacy for children and families with special needs, and using literacy as a tool to discuss important issues.

“This book is important because it highlights how children are born with their own uniqueness,” said Baker. “These differences are viewed as blessings to be celebrated. Children learn valuable lessons from each family member because of both their similarities and differences.” 

As an Area Education Agency 267 school psychologist, Baker works with families whose children may have learning differences or health concerns.

“I see many families like ours,” Baker said. “One of the children has a disability or deficiency, and the other sibling does not, which creates unique family dynamics. Children may not understand why a sibling may require more time, treatment and attention. This can be troublesome for children. Therefore, I was inspired to use literacy addressing family issues from a child’s perspective.”

Biotinidase deficiency is one of more than 50 conditions that can be detected through newborn screening using only a few drops of blood collected within the first days of life. If left undetected and untreated, these conditions can have a profound impact on a baby’s life.

The Iowa Newborn Screening Program is administered through the Iowa Department of Public Health. The State Hygienic Laboratory provides the laboratory support for the program, and the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital provides the necessary follow-up communication with physicians whenever a baby receives a screen positive result for any of the conditions screened for by the program.