Kristine Kurnit

About the Author

Kristine Kurnit’s career is defined by depth, range, and purpose, encircling roles in clinical psychology, biotechnology, and nonprofit leadership. A charter member of the National Honor Society in Psychology and a recipient of the James B. Angel Scholar Award from the University of Michigan, she brings both academic excellence and lived experience to her work. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, and spent more than 25 years working in an outpatient psychiatric clinic, guiding individuals and families through complex emotional and mental health challenges.

Her leadership extends beyond clinical care into scientific innovation and entrepreneurship. Kristine is the co-founder and CEO of a biotechnology start-up focused on commercializing medical technology developed at the University of Michigan Medical School. As the architect of the business strategy, she authored the award-winning proposal that earned the largest award by the state of Michigan, surpassing more than 100 competing companies.

Dedication: To Cullen and Madeleine and all the Skuffys everywhere. You live in my heart. May the world understand you and may you understand the world.

Welcome to the World of Skuffy

An interesting story of Skuffy, a talking bear who feels different from everyone else. When Stilez becomes his first true friend, Skuffy learns that differences can be celebrated, and joy can be shared. Explore this heartwarming world and join the fun!

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Meet & Greet

Discover the Friends of Skuffy

Watch The Trailer

Adventure awaits when a little kitty named Edward wants to join the fun at the beach! With the help of his brave friends Piper and Whizner, he floats, swims, and faces pirate cats, discovering courage, friendship, and the joy of trying new things.

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Story’s Brave Bunch

Meet the Fur-tastic Friends

Feedback

Reader Reviews & Smiles

A warm and meaningful picture book that encourages empathy, inclusion, and emotional growth. Young readers will connect with Skuffy’s story and its message of acceptance.

Marianne Bell

Kristine Kurnit has created a heartfelt story about kindness, friendship, and belonging. Skuffy’s journey helps children understand that being different is something to be embraced, not feared.

Early Childhood Literature Guild

This story touched my heart and my classroom. Skuffy is such a lovable character, and the message about understanding and friendship is beautiful. My students were completely quiet while I read it—and that almost never happens! A truly sweet and meaningful book.

Sarah Mitchell

My kids instantly fell in love with Skuffy. The story is gentle, emotional, and easy for children to connect with. We talked a lot about being different after reading it. That’s the kind of book I love having on our shelf.

Daniel Rodriguez

What a charming and heartfelt story. The friendship between Skuffy and Stilez is adorable, and the message about acceptance is handled in such a simple, kid-friendly way. This is the kind of book children want to read again and again.

Emily Carter

Edward’s adventure had us smiling the whole way through! My kids loved the pirate cats and cheered when Edward learned to swim. It’s funny, exciting, and has such a great message about trying new things and sticking together.

Jessica Moore

This book is pure fun. The characters are lovable, the story is exciting, and the ending is so satisfying. I read it to my grandkids, and they immediately asked me to read it again. That’s always the best sign.

Michael Thompson

You Can’t Go is a wonderful mix of adventure, humor, and heart. Edward’s journey is relatable for kids, and the teamwork between the friends is a great example. Perfect for storytime and classroom reading.