The Crossing
A Story of Courage, Friendship, and Diabetes Awareness Across Borders
In a heartwarming tale that spans continents, The Crossing follows four unique animal characters, each living with diabetes, as they journey far from home in search of belonging, purpose, and connection. Created by Diana L. Malkin, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator, this illustrated story teaches children about resilience, diversity, and chronic health through the lens of adventure and friendship.
Watch Our E-Book Trailer
About The Book
The Crossing
The Crossing is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells the story of four animals from different countries, each living with diabetes, who meet while starting new lives in a foreign land. As Nessa, Javier, Thunder, and Misty navigate their journeys, they discover friendship, understanding, and strength from supporting one another. Blending themes of immigration, health awareness, and cultural diversity, this uplifting story encourages empathy and resilience while helping children better understand the challenges and realities of living with diabetes.
Testimonials
What Readers Are Saying
Discover how The Crossing is inspiring children, parents, and educators around the world.
About The Author
Diana L. Malkin
Diana L. Malkin is a dedicated diabetes care education specialist and registered dietitian nutritionist based in New York. With a passion for serving underserved communities, she provides compassionate care to high-risk pregnant women, adults, and children living with diabetes. A former Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, Diana has traveled and worked in various countries, enriching her global perspective and commitment to health equity. She is also a proud mother of two and shares her home with two quirky polydactyl cats, Charlie and Margo. Diana enjoys hiking, running, kayaking, and exploring the natural world outside of work, always guided by her deep love for animals.
Diana lives and works in New York. She lives with Charlie and Margo, two polydactyl cats (who have extra toes).
Diana works as a diabetes care education specialist and a registered dietitian nutritionist in a resource-poor community, providing care to high-risk pregnant women, adults, and children, all with diabetes. She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and has worked and traveled in many different countries. She has two children who like to hike, run, travel, kayak, and love animals.
Who is Who
Meet the Characters
Who is Who
Meet the Characters
-
1.Nessa the Giraffe
From: South Africa
A tall, gentle soul with Type 1 diabetes, Nessa wears an insulin pump and proudly sports
a t-shirt that reads "Dead Pancreas Society." Though she's left her homeland, she carries
hope in her heart as she seeks long-lost family and better medical care. Nessa is thoughtful,
nurturing, and wise beyond her years. -
2. Javier the Jaguar
From: Mexico
Javier is strong, quiet, and loyal. With bold jaguar rosettes and a t-shirt that reads
"Diabetes Warrior," he bravely moves to a new land to support his struggling family
back home. He has Type 1 diabetes and always keeps supplies in his trusty fanny pack.
Though he has a fierce look, his heart is warm and selfless. -
3. Thunder the Rhino
From: Sumatra, Indonesia
Thunder may look tough, but he's a soft-spoken romantic. A Sumatran rhinoceros with
Type 2 diabetes, he travels across the globe to reunite with the love of his life. Wearing an
insulin pump and a medical bracelet, Thunder represents courage and love through change.
His signature horn is both a point of pride and curiosity for his new friends. -
4. Misty the Shoebill Stork
From: Uganda, Africa
Quiet, observant, and deeply sensitive, Misty journeys to find another shoebill like herself.
With Type 2 diabetes and a vibrant fanny pack, she clatters her beak when she's happy,
and sometimes when she's nervous. Misty's deep longing for connection turns into a heartening
discovery of chosen family and newfound confidence.
Article - New York Headlines
Diana L. Malkin’s The Crossing Offers a Gentle Glimpse into Courage, Compassion, and Chronic Illness
With the upcoming release of The Crossing, author Diana L. Malkin is set to make a heartfelt mark on the world of children’s literature. The book both timely and tender explores themes of immigration, friendship, and chronic illness, all told through a warm, character-driven narrative designed to spark empathy in young readers.
Though written for children, The Crossing speaks to a much broader audience. It gracefully opens conversations around topics often considered too complex for picture books: crossing borders, managing diabetes, and navigating new beginnings. Malkin’s writing is gentle yet impactful, offering just enough guidance for children to feel seen and understood, without overwhelming them.
Diana lives and works in New York. She lives with Charlie and Margo, two polydactyl cats (who have extra toes).
Diana works as a diabetes care education specialist and a registered dietitian nutritionist in a resource-poor community, providing care to high-risk pregnant women, adults, and children, all with diabetes. She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and has worked and traveled in many different countries. She has two children who like to hike, run, travel, kayak, and love animals.
From the Author's Desk
Explore insights, stories, and educational resources inspired by The Crossing and its characters.
Helping Children Cope with Big Changes
Tips for supporting children through transitions like moving, health challenges, or starting over.
Read More
Why Stories Like The Crossing Matter
Discover how storytelling can build empathy and awareness around chronic illness and cultural diversity in children.
Read More
Understanding Diabetes Through a Child’s Eyes
Learn how to talk to kids about diabetes in an age-appropriate and empowering way.
Read More
Behind the Characters: Real-Life Inspiration for Nessa, Javier, Thunder, and Misty
Meet the real-world animals and experiences that inspired the book’s beloved characters.
Read More Contact Today
Get in Touch
Have questions, feedback, or want to share your story? We’d love to hear from you!
1. "A compassionate and educational story that opened the door to meaningful conversations with my child about diabetes and diversity."
— Angela M., Parent and Teacher