Gladys Boutros
Growing up in Sydney, Australia, as a child Gladys Boutros always had a creative imagination. Today, as an older soul, Gladys loses herself in "black and white" movies and theatre, imagining herself being a part of past places and past lives.
Gladys' tender nature finds children instantly drawn to her. She is always aware and sensitive to each individual child's needs and helps them embrace their uniqueness. Her compassion and empathy toward children and all creatures alike is most admirable.
Gladys is the author of her first book, Bubba and the Sweet Pea, which was inspired by her sulphur-crested cockatoo, Bubba, and the short life he was given to live.
Bubba's Story
As a 3-month-old sulphur-crested cockatoo, Bubba entered our home and instantly our hearts. Heartbreakingly, at 8 months of age, we learned that Bubba was born with PBFD, known as beak and feather disease — a virus that affects cockatoos and all species of parrots, attacking the immune system and causing feather loss and beak abnormalities.
Despite PBFD, Bubba lived a "normal" yet happy life. Bubba ruled our home with his vibrant and loving character. With or without his feathers, Bubba was adorable, and it was his ways that made him the centre of our lives.
With his cheeky ways he at times found himself in compromising situations — one time tangling himself in curling ribbon, another getting his head stuck in a biscuit box while trying to get a snack. We would admire his mannerisms, from the way he'd nibble around the edges of a biscuit, to how he would playfully and gently bite our fingers demanding attention.
Throughout Bubba's life we observed his compassionate and loving ways, setting an example for those who crossed his path. His character now lives on in the story of Bubba and the Sweet Pea, continuing to teach that same love.
Discover the Book
Read the story that grew from Bubba's life, and the lessons of self-worth it continues to share.
The Story