The Friendship Garden by Daphne Matthews

Growing Up with Cerebral Palsy

Daphne Matthews Sows Acceptance in Debut Children’s Book, The Friendship Garden

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN—It was after a trip to Barnes & Noble that Daphne Matthews knew she had to write her debut children’s book, The Friendship Garden: Growing Up with Cerebral Palsy.

An alumna of Washtenaw Community College where she specialized in child development, Matthews, who also has cerebral palsy, first fell in love with working with kids while volunteering at local daycare centers. In particular, she enjoyed reading with her students, which, she noted, was not only fun for them, but also provided learning opportunities for complex topics, like disabilities.

When Matthews sought out disability-centered children's books at Barnes & Noble, however, there were only a few. “I knew at that time that I needed to write this book,” she said. “I think it’s extremely important for children to gain exposure to different disabilities so that they can grow up and be more accepting of people who may look, sound, or act a little differently from them.”

A Journey of Growth

A passionate believer in early-childhood education, Matthews has wanted to share her experience of living with a disability since she was in high school. “At the time I wasn’t sure what that would look like, but I believe a book is an incredible way to do that,” she said—in part, because disabilities like cerebral palsy can be difficult for kids to digest, but also because the educational impact of a book resonates far beyond the classroom.

Consequently, The Friendship Garden depicts Matthews’s life and experiences with cerebral palsy in a format designed for even the youngest readers to understand. In it, we follow a little sunflower who discovers that she isn’t growing quite like the other flowers in her garden. With the support of her flower friends, some helpful gardeners, and a sprinkle of her own courage, however, the sunflower—and the blossoms around her—learn that they can still grow together, even with their differences.

Bursting with the colorful illustrations of Matthews’s twin sister Phoebe, this heartfelt tale is a timely lesson in accepting and celebrating those differences, from tall to small.

“I hope this book helps children and parents start important conversations,” Matthews added. “I hope it encourages [readers] to think about how people are treated and to remember that our differences should never stop us from doing what we want to do.”

Author Daphne Matthews on right, Illustrator Phoebe Matthews on left.

The Author

Twin sisters Daphne and Phoebe Matthews grew up in Ann Arbor after being born nearly conjoined at just 29 weeks at U-M’s Mott Children’s Hospital. Daphne, who has cerebral palsy, volunteered as a preschool educator and shares her experiences with honesty and warmth. Phoebe, a graduate of the University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, illustrates their debut children’s book. Together, they use their story to foster empathy, inclusion, and understanding.

The Book

The Friendship Garden: Growing Up with Cerebral Palsy

Written by Daphne Matthews, illustrations by Phoebe Matthews

28 pages, 8.5 x 8.5, Color

Juvenile Fiction/ Special Needs, Values & Virtues, Friendship 

ISBN: 978-1-968761-75-2, $22.95 (Hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-968761-76-9, $16.95 (Softcover)

Publication Date: August 11, 2026

Nightlight Stories, an imprint of Mission Point Press

Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its August 11, 2026, publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at daphnematthewsinfo@gmail.com.

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