Children sometimes face battles we cannot see—quiet struggles wrapped in big feelings they don’t yet have words for. These moments can be overwhelming for both children and their families, as they navigate emotions that are difficult to understand and express.
And so, two compassionate hearts are coming together to share stories of support, strength, and solace, offering families a space to connect during life’s most challenging moments.
We cordially invite you and your little ones to join our John Masiulionis and David Newell (who played the beloved Mr. McFeely on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood), along with our John Masiulionis and Little Forrest, for Episode #48 of PR From The Heart’s Neighborly Reviews Bookcast, as they share Dr. Shafer Stedron’s The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks (published by Little House of Dreams Publishing) and John’s new children’s book, Walking Each Other Home—Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children (published by Trolley Stop Publishing).
As part of the 4-Year Anniversary Celebration of The Neighborly Reviews Bookcast from Point Park University’s Center for Media Innovation in downtown Pittsburgh, Dr. Shafer sits down in-studio with John and David to share her inspiring story, how her son’s journey with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) has empowered her to raise awareness for families who have children with neurodivergent conditions, the importance of connecting with children rather than correcting them, the role of empathy and understanding in child-parent relationships, plus much more.
Plus, as a special treat, John talks to David about the inspiration behind his book, how the loss of his grandmother and a cancer diagnosis led him to commit to a life of service through PR From The Heart, his vision of creating a children’s hospice in San Diego, Fred Rogers’ profound influence on his life, how Earth Angels serve as guiding lights and sources of support during life’s toughest moments, practical tips for parents to discuss sensitive subjects like death, grief, and loss with kids, and more.
Join us in supporting Dr. Shafer and John by grabbing your copies of The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks and Walking Each Other Home: Zachary’s Mission—A Hospice for Children, and enjoy these empowering reads with your little ones:
The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks: https://bit.ly/42SDiAu
Walking Each Other Home: Zachary’s Mission—A Hospice for Children: https://bit.ly/3QntozV
The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks copyright © 2025 by Dr. Shafer Stedron • Illustrations copyright © 2025 by Katerina Valerieva. Courtesy of Little House of Dreams Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
Walking Each Other Home—Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children copyright © 2025 by John Masiulionis • Illustrations copyright © 2025 by Roksana Barwinska. Courtesy of Trolley Stop Publishing. All Rights Reserved
