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Books / Children

How a mom’s joke turned into a bestselling book

Buffalo Fluffalo

One night during story time, Bess Kalb read a national parks book to her son and noticed the word “Buffalo” made him crack a smile. An Emmy-nominated comedy writer, Bess went further by calling the animals “Buffalo Fluffalos” and he erupted with laughter.

This heartwarming moment inspired Kalb’s debut, bestselling picture book Buffalo Fluffalo, which she wrote later that night. Aiming to make her son giggle while teaching him about empathy, the story follows a cute but very grumpy buffalo who acts tough to mask insecurity. But once a rain storm reveals he’s bluffing about his size and is all fluff, Buffalo Fluffalo realizes the other animals love and accept his true, tiny self. 

The book is already a hit:

  • “If you don’t have little kids at home to entertain with this book, get a copy for somebody else’s. I guarantee: They will lauffalo.” –  Washington Post

  • Debuted at #3 on IndieBound’s Children’s Illustrated Bestsellers list, only behind Taylor Swift and Goodnight Moon

  • American Booksellers Association’s Kids’ Indie Next List 

  • Peaked at #1 on Amazon’s Children’s Self Esteem books + Editor’s Choice

  • CBC’s “Hot Off the Press” reading list

  • Listen to NPR story here

Bess wrote the children’s book she wanted to see for her sons – raising good humans with heartwarming lessons, but with a laugh.

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Mile High Mamas
Author: Mile High Mamas

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