Betty the Bald Chicken was inspired by Lori La Bey’s journey caring for her mother who lived thirty years with Alzheimer’s disease, but this book is not limited to those dealing with dementia. Betty’s story applies to almost every human situation from illness, bullying, mental health, emotional well-being, addictions, divorce, and death, to everyday struggles of not feeling like we fit in, or we are not understood. This children’s book is filled with beautiful illustrations that engage all ages by highlighting the roller coaster of emotions we all go through.
Betty the Bald Chicken teaches people of all ages we have much more in common with one another than we are different. The questions in the back of the book help us talk with our children about the ripple effect our choices have on others, even if we don’t know them. It opens the conversation to take decision-making seriously and how others will think about us based on our choices.
We truly hope you find Betty’s journey helpful to you, your family, friends, and clients as we try to live graciously together.

What People are Saying:
“My four- and seven-year-old grandsons became engaged as we read the book, Betty the Bald Chicken. When we got to the question section, our seven-year-old shared with us that sometimes he can’t find his friends at recess, and that makes him sad, just like Betty. It allowed us an opportunity to listen to him, support him, and help him problem-solve how he might deal with that situation.”
~ Jan Martland - Murphy - Retired RN and Grandma

Betty the Bald Chicken is a gentle story that faces the harsh realities that we face when we discover that we are different than others. It is a tale of community, love, and giving as well as one of rejection and pain, but also a story of inclusivity, respect, and understanding. The book’s “Lessons in How to Care” are broad yet powerful throughout Betty’s journey. The section of questions included after the story is a valuable tool to open a conversation on caring. The authors and illustrator speak to the reader through words and images about how caring for others, by opening our hearts and minds to another’s circumstance, can bring hope and joy to all involved. This book would make a great gift, a wonderful way to start the conversation on caring for others and ourselves.
~ Mary Crescenzo - Teaching Artist, Speaker, and Author of The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide

Betty the Bald Chicken by Lori La Bey and Scott Carlson is a powerful and poignant book that should be read by everyone! For anyone who has been laughed at, ignored, or left out this book really hits home!! It is also a very heartwarming read as it highlights those who reach out to embrace, love, and care for others!! It reminds me that there is still goodness in this world! I’m thrilled with the questions at the end of the book because they provide an outstanding opportunity for thought-provoking and honest group discussions!
~ Loretta Veney - Author, Inspirational Speaker, Trainer on Dementia, Caregiving and Aging

This inspiring book — with its heartwarming illustrations — reminds us that sometimes real friendship and compassion can only be found among those who know firsthand what stigma feels like, what it means to be outcasted and marginalized by others.
It is often those who are invisible, labeled, and excluded from our society who can teach us that, at the
end of the day, we are all interconnected and interdependent on each other.
They can show us the way toward inclusion.
After working with Lori for over a decade, the book is a clear reflection of her tireless, inspiring, cutting
edge, and impactful work related to preserving and enhancing the human rights, dignity, care, and personhood of people living with dementia.
~ Eilon Caspi – Asst. Research Professor, Author, and Advocate for Preventing Harmful Interactions