New Children's Book Stars 5-Year-Old Norwood Girl

Editor's Note: The following information is from a press release.

Born in China with a cleft lip and palate, five-year-old Jade Haynes had no exposure to the English language for the first half of her life. But neither her medical condition nor her delayed introduction to English could hold her back in her determination to express herself. 

By the time Jeff and Kim Haynes, of Norwood, adopted Jade in August of 2010, Jade had already had one surgery for her cleft lip and palate. More surgery is needed, however, to repair the problem. As a result, Jade must work extra hard in her struggle to be understood when she speaks. She has proven time and again to be up for the challenge. 

“As a photographer, I naturally want to take her picture all the time,” said Jeff Haynes. “But I also found myself making it a point to write down the things she said. I love the uniqueness of her perspective. She can be very funny.” 

He began pairing images of Jade with things that she has said, resulting in the children’s book The Dao of Jade. Both print and digital formats are published via Lulu, at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/jeffhaynes.

“I did not realize that what I was doing would become a book. I was just trying to preserve a special age in her life,” Jeff said. “And knowing the effort she makes to speak, it makes what she says all the more special.”