Shane and the “Sh” Sound by Amber Parr Burdett

Defining the Moral of Your Story: How Shane and the “Sh” Sound Came to Life

Growing up, I struggled with a speech issue that made it challenging to pronounce certain sounds—including my own name. It was something that others quickly noticed, and as a child, that kind of attention wasn’t always easy. I remember the frustration of not being understood and the determination it took to get the sounds just right. Over time, I grew more confident, but that experience shaped me deeply, leaving me with a desire to help others feel seen and valued, no matter what they face.

Shane and the “Sh” Sound is my way of bringing that experience to life in a way that’s both accessible and empowering for young readers. I based Shane’s story on my own childhood struggle and drew from the stories my dad used to tell my siblings and me. He created the characters Suzie and Zach, whose adventures always ended with, “The moral of the story is…”

That line invited each of us to reflect on what we learned and find a lesson that resonated with us individually. Years later, when he passed those characters on to me, I knew I wanted to carry on that legacy of open-ended storytelling.

For me, this book—and everything I do, from Suzie and Zach to Moral Mothering to my work helping authors—is about helping others define their own stories, rather than adding to the noise of what the world expects of them. I believe that every child, every family, and every writer should feel empowered to define their own values and decide what is important to them. That’s why my story ends with that same line, “The moral of the story is…” It’s not a conclusion but an invitation to explore the values that matter to you the most.

Whether it’s through my mothering company, my writing company, or this book, I am here to help others take ownership of their stories and find the confidence to pursue what feels meaningful. With Shane and the “Sh” Sound, I hope parents, and children can enjoy a story of resilience, empathy, and friendship, while also engaging in conversations that affirm their values and strengthen family bonds.

If my story resonates with you, or if you’re looking for ways to bring your own story to life, I’d love to connect. You can find out more about my writing company at ARParr.com or visit my children’s book site, SuzieAndZach.com.

Meet Amber

I’m Amber Parr Burdett—a mom, author, and editor dedicated to helping others create meaningful stories. Growing up with a speech challenge, I learned firsthand the power of support and self-expression, inspiring me to write Shane and the “Sh” Sound, a children’s book based on my journey and the characters my dad created for our family. Each story ends with, “The moral of the story is…”—an open invitation for parents and kids to explore the values most meaningful to them.

Book Info

In Shane and the “Sh” Sound, friends Suzie and Zach help Shane tackle a speech challenge through creative exercises, weaving a story of empathy, resilience, and the joy of lending a hand. The book provides practical tools for parents to incorporate speech exercises into daily life and spark meaningful conversations around each child’s unique learning journey.

Connect with Amber

Instagram @suzieandzach | @moral.mothering
Website: ARParr.com or SuzieAndZach.com
Order: Shane and the “Sh” Sound