He showed up right when she needed him.

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Her dad drove her out there anyway. He pulled over above Puget Sound, pointed to a big white seagull sitting on a wooden piling, and said, “Sonja, meet Freddy the Seagull.”

Freddy became her first friend in a place she never wanted to live. She brought him bread and told him everything. He was there when she started a new school, when her dad was gone for weeks, and when her dog, Houdini, died, and later, her mom. Years later, after the beach house was sold, Sonja walked her four nieces out to the same piling to meet him.

When Sonja was eight, her parents told her the family was moving to the beach. She told them she wasn’t going.

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Freddy the Seagull is for children ages 5 to 12 who are going through a move, a new school, or the loss of someone they love.

It opens with a Note for Grown-Ups with advice on what to say when a child asks about death or change, including what to do when there isn’t a good answer.

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  • “<em>Freddy the Seagull</em> is a heartwarming and beautifully crafted story that encourages children to embrace kindness, courage, and the qualities that make them unique. Through engaging storytelling, beautiful illustrations, and an uplifting message, the book is a wonderful addition to any home, classroom, or library. Young readers will be inspired by Sonja’s journey and comforted by the meaningful lessons she learns along the way.”

    Trina Cottingham

    President & CEO, Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington

  • "I have the extreme good fortune to be the father of Sonja. Her book, <em> Freddy the Seagull </em>, tells the story of a little girl's struggles and tenacity. Sonja has blossomed, succeeded, and is a lover of people and every living thing! Her book will no doubt be a blessing to young and old."

    Jerry Korum (Dad)


    Former CEO, Korum Automotive Group
    Founder, Korum for Kids Foundation

  • “The story as presented in <em>Freddy the Seagull</em> very beautifully presents Sonja’s life journey, and in true fashion, she writes from the perspective of a child. Sonja shares feelings, learnings, and wisdom for life. These qualities are the essence of life, and as she matures into a young woman, here, Sonja captures the realization that change is a part of life, and that how we adjust determines how we live. Sonja Korum Campbell shares a wealth of life experience with her readers, and she does so very well. That is the same Sonja that I have come to know and appreciate. Well done, Sonja!

    Dr. Ross Hjelseth 

    Former Head of School, Life Christian Academy

  • “Sonja Korum Campbell has crafted a remarkable story that goes far beyond fantasy, drawing on her own childhood experiences with learning challenges and family dynamics to deliver profound life lessons for all ages. The book's greatest strength is its powerful message of personal growth: that change begins within ourselves. Through the companionship of <em>Freddy the seagull</em>, created by a father to help his daughter navigate life's difficulties, Sonja illustrates how the right relationships can transform us. At its heart, this is a story about friendship and imagination, reminding us that affirmation and connection are essential to building confidence and self-worth in children. <em>Freddy the Seagull</em> is a timeless gift, worthy of being shared across generations.”

    Wes Anderson, MA

    Associate, Leadership Development

  • “<em>Freddy the Seagull</em> is an outstanding book that encourages children to explore and better understand their grief experiences. Sonja’s thoughtful introduction serves as a valuable guide for adults, helping them support children in normalizing and adapting to the impact of loss. Through meaningful symbolism and practical strategies, she offers children tools for comfort while encouraging healthy expression of difficult feelings and thoughts. By finding ways to cope with and communicate their grief, children can build resilience and continue to grow and thrive."

    Lisa Duke, MSW, Supervisor

    Bridges Center for Grieving Children | Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital

  • “Sonja puts her passion for the welfare of children on full display in <em>Freddy the Seagull</em>. She does a wonderful job of capturing the feelings of loss in a way that is relatable for kids while capturing the challenges inherent in processing each event. She offers a thoughtful perspective, capturing a larger framework that will serve kids well as they navigate changes in their own lives.”

    Mathew Ledin, MSW, Family Support Coordinator

    Bridges Center for Grieving Children | Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital

  • “<em> Freddy the Seagull </em> is a fabulous book for schoolchildren. I showed it to Vicki, a friend we admire who served for 40 years as an elementary school teacher. Her response was enthusiastic: 'This book should be available in all elementary schools. The illustrations are outstanding. Freddy comes alive!' During my graduate studies, I was appointed Interim Director of the Laura Ann Sisk Memorial Reading Clinic at the University of the Pacific, where I evaluated scores of elementary school books. Freddy the Seagull is among the best. I strongly recommend it to elementary school teachers and elementary school libraries. It would get my vote to receive the Newberry and Caldecott Medals!”

    Don Argue, EdD

    Former President, Northwest University

  • "As a family therapist for 22 years, I had the privilege of assisting young children, as well as their parents, through many periods of change and adjustment in their lives. <em> Freddy the Seagull </em> presents important life lessons and the challenges of adjusting to change in a lighthearted and relatable way for children and parents alike. Through Freddy’s story, children are reminded that life is always changing and that learning to adjust to new and unexpected circumstances is a natural part of growing. This is a sweet and meaningful story that offers families an opportunity to enjoy Freddy’s adventure together while opening the door to conversations about change, resilience, and navigating life’s ever-changing circumstances."

    Evie Lynn, Former Family Therapist