Let's Talk Genes and Variation
A good place to start
Fun and
Informational Books
That’s why we created The Curious Kid Series!—a fun and easy way for kids (and anyone!) to learn about genes, DNA, and how they shape who we are.
This special series was written by a doctor and mother of a child with 16p11.2 deletion and illustrated by an engineer, artist, and mother of a child with the same condition. Even though one lives in California and the other in Germany, they worked together—without ever meeting in person—thanks to Simons Searchlight.
What makes this project even more meaningful is that they originally wrote these books for their own children. Now, they are sharing them with you to help on your own learning journey! The books are available on Amazon, and all proceeds go to fund the 16p Genetic Foundation, the organization that created this website.
we use universally known analogies and beautiful imagery to explain what DNA and genes are and how they instruct our body within the context of a conversation between a child and his mother.
what are my genes?
we continue the conversation between mother and child to explore what mutations and variations are and the necessary and natural process of variation in nature and our lives.
What is variation?
we explore the psychosocial impact of a genetic diagnosis on the family structure. This book is told from the point of view of the older sibling and aims to also describe the specific possible associations with 16p11.2 deletion and some possible treatments. Book 3 anticipated to be available for purchase in early 2024.
Just Breathe!
Genetics Broken Down
What is Deletion?