Pop-Up Author Nilly Barr

“My Body is My Buddy: Max Listens to His Buddy, His Body”, a heartwarming book written by Nilly Barr, M.S., a Licensed Professional Counselor from Greenville, SC. The book is beautifully illustrated by Rob Russell from Hickory, NC. The inspiration for the story came from a beloved dog named Max, who shared his journey with the author shortly after finding his forever home with the Barr family from the local Humane Society. Max, a Carolina Dingo dog, became an integral part of the family, bringing joy and love to their lives. In “My Body is My Buddy,” Max learns about the importance of listening to the signals his body gives him, such as hunger and thirst, in order to take good care of himself. The story aims to promote a healthy and friendly relationship with one’s body, emphasizing the significance of trust and self-care. The book is suitable for readers aged 4 to 84, as it addresses the universal experience of having a body, feeling hunger and thirst, and wanting to foster a positive connection with one’s physical self. It can be enjoyed in various settings, including living rooms, classrooms, libraries, churches/synagogues, tiny neighborhood libraries, and therapy rooms. The author aspires to spread the message of a compassionate and nurturing bond between individuals and their bodies, reaching children and adults worldwide. Furthermore, Nilly Barr has committed to donating partial proceeds from the book to NEDA, the National Eating Disorders Association, supporting their important work in the field of eating disorders. “My Body is My Buddy” serves as a reminder to cherish and care for our bodies and to develop a wholesome relationship with ourselves.

Nilly has been a psychotherapist in Greenville for 35 years with a specialty in the treatment of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating. Through Max’s voice Nilly is sharing one of the most fundamental elements of healthy relationships with our bodies and food. Her hope and belief is that Max’s story can help people of all ages reconnect with their bodies with love, kindness, mindfulness, and care. Our ongoing struggles with unhealthy food habits, weight related health struggles, childhood obesity, and shame around body sizes is a nationwide problem. This book aims to help children, parents, and other adults nurture a different, a friendly and trusting relationship with our bodies.