Bills Make Me Wanna Give: Christian Benford's debut children's book encourages kids to be themselves

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Bills play the Dolphins tonight, so this week, WIVB presents a special Thursday edition of “The Bills Make Me Wanna Give.”

Christian Benford has established himself on the field as a cornerback, but he’s also making his mark as a children’s book author.

It may not be a roaring crowd at Highmark Stadium, but the kids Benford reads to often have some volume.

“It’s kind of hard to read over the kids, but it’s not,” he said. “I’m kind of used to it, you know?”

Benford wrote his debut book, “Stylish Safari: The Adventures of Being You,” with a simple message in mind:

“Be yourself, because God created you to be yourself, not nobody else,” he said. “And teach kids and parents that it’s okay to be unique and let people be themselves.”

The book tells the story of Benny the Bobcat, who has his own unique style. Zach the Zebra and his crew initially poke fun at benny, but Zach eventually comes around.

“So that part where Benny gave him some love,” Benford said. “Love, wisdom, I feel like that’s going to change anybody.”

Benford’s inspiration for benny: his young son, who has his own sense of fashion.

“Some kids just don’t want to wear all that designer Nike, the Jordans,” Benford said. “They might just go to DSW and see some shoes and say they want those, and you’ve got to respect it.”

Benford teamed up with his sister, who illustrated the book.

“It’s a blessing, honestly,” he said. “Because the main reason I wrote this book was the impact, spreading the word of God, you know? Make a difference.”

Proceeds from “Stylish Safari” will go to Benford’s 47 Hearts Foundation, which helps people in various ways.

“I see the money from nonprofit go to different foster care, homeless shelters, food distribution systems,” he said. “So all of that is trying to impact and make a change in this world again. Like God says, Matthew 5.”