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Recommend this book:
Melody the Unicorn and the Beauty Within
Subani Maheshwari
2023 Gold Medal
35 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
“She was different but not in the way she’d thought. And, it turned out, “different” wasn’t so bad.” Aren’t we all different? Don’t we all have something unique and beautiful to share with the world? Melody the unicorn thought she wasn’t beautiful because she didn’t have all the bright colors the other young unicorns had. She was just white. It made her sad not to be rainbow-colored like the others. Try as she might, she just couldn’t make herself colorful. But she did have something else, something the others didn’t have, and that really did make her beautiful. She just didn’t realize what her unique beauty was. It was a difficult lesson to learn that being different was okay. After all, differences make us not only unique but beautiful inside and out.
Subani Maheshwari’s picture book story, Melody the Unicorn and the Beauty Within, is all about differences and the beauty we all have within us. Melody has a difficult lesson to learn. It’s about accepting who she is, something we all have difficulty doing at times. Told in simple language so young readers can easily follow along, this charming story will lighten the hearts of readers of all ages. The spectacular, bright, and colorful illustrations help move the story forward, as Melody tries one trick after another to change her appearance so she can be colorful like the other unicorns. The plot follows Melody’s journey to self-discovery, self-love, and accepting who she is. This is a powerful lesson for all readers to learn. Loved it!
“She was different but not in the way she’d thought. And, it turned out, “different” wasn’t so bad.” Aren’t we all different? Don’t we all have something unique and beautiful to share with the world? Melody the unicorn thought she wasn’t beautiful because she didn’t have all the bright colors the other young unicorns had. She was just white. It made her sad not to be rainbow-colored like the others. Try as she might, she just couldn’t make herself colorful. But she did have something else, something the others didn’t have, and that really did make her beautiful. She just didn’t realize what her unique beauty was. It was a difficult lesson to learn that being different was okay. After all, differences make us not only unique but beautiful inside and out.
Subani Maheshwari’s picture book story, Melody the Unicorn and the Beauty Within, is all about differences and the beauty we all have within us. Melody has a difficult lesson to learn. It’s about accepting who she is, something we all have difficulty doing at times. Told in simple language so young readers can easily follow along, this charming story will lighten the hearts of readers of all ages. The spectacular, bright, and colorful illustrations help move the story forward, as Melody tries one trick after another to change her appearance so she can be colorful like the other unicorns. The plot follows Melody’s journey to self-discovery, self-love, and accepting who she is. This is a powerful lesson for all readers to learn. Loved it!
Recommend this book:
. Partly inspired by Boyles's familial journey with the disease, it shows other young children and their families how to cope and to realize that ther...){kind=link}
Daddy Is Cool Like That
Mary McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles
2023 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite
Daddy is Cool Like That by Mary McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles is a children’s picture book that depicts a young family who has recently had their father diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Partly inspired by Boyles's familial journey with the disease, it shows other young children and their families how to cope and to realize that there can still be moments of enjoyment to be shared, as well as the happy memories that follow. Though there might be specific faculties that deteriorate or are ultimately lost, new abilities are gained as well. The illustrations created by Ros Webb feel warm and enveloping. Both the storytelling and the pictures form a book that transcends other children’s books. It stands as a platform for discussions to be had by families that are struggling with a similar diagnosis.
Jennifer Bucciero Boyles and Mary McMahon’s Daddy is Cool Like That stirred up so much emotion in me. The reader cannot help but be moved by the story, the message that it delivers, and the hope that it instills in the hearts and minds of loved ones. Children’s books are always teaching lessons of some kind, some as simple as learning how to tie a shoelace. This book doesn’t just teach; it shows what a family is, it shows memories, whether those memories were inspiring or not. Everything feels incredibly authentic. To say that you will be touched by this book is an understatement. You might even be transformed by it.
Daddy is Cool Like That by Mary McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles is a children’s picture book that depicts a young family who has recently had their father diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Partly inspired by Boyles's familial journey with the disease, it shows other young children and their families how to cope and to realize that there can still be moments of enjoyment to be shared, as well as the happy memories that follow. Though there might be specific faculties that deteriorate or are ultimately lost, new abilities are gained as well. The illustrations created by Ros Webb feel warm and enveloping. Both the storytelling and the pictures form a book that transcends other children’s books. It stands as a platform for discussions to be had by families that are struggling with a similar diagnosis.
Jennifer Bucciero Boyles and Mary McMahon’s Daddy is Cool Like That stirred up so much emotion in me. The reader cannot help but be moved by the story, the message that it delivers, and the hope that it instills in the hearts and minds of loved ones. Children’s books are always teaching lessons of some kind, some as simple as learning how to tie a shoelace. This book doesn’t just teach; it shows what a family is, it shows memories, whether those memories were inspiring or not. Everything feels incredibly authentic. To say that you will be touched by this book is an understatement. You might even be transformed by it.
Recommend this book:
Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail
A Children's Picture Book about Sharing, Disability Awareness, Kindness, and Overcoming Fears
Samantha Shannon
2022 Finalist
61 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Jake loves wandering through the woods. He growls at everything and everyone – in a friendly sort of way, of course. He enjoys meeting all of nature’s wonderful creatures and he’s made friends with many of them, especially Neet the squirrel. While Jake dashed through the forest trails, Neet would keep pace flying through the tree branches above. Then, one day, Jake and Neet discovered some unusual tracks. Neither one of them knew what to make of these tracks. Could it be an alien from outer space? Jake is quite worried and sleeps restlessly, fearful of what strange creature might be roaming through his woods. Jake enlists all his friends, doggy and others, to help solve the mystery. One of the new doggy friends, Tuck, helps solve the mystery, only Jake discovers that Tuck is the mystery because he’s different.
Samantha Shannon’s picture book, Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail, is another entertaining story in the Jake the Growling Dog series. This charming, inquisitive dog loves to share his life experiences, all while teaching both himself and his young readers some very important lessons. I like the way the author weaves a fantastic story, cleverly using rhyming verse, its lyricism making the message clear and familiar. In this story, Jake and his readers learn about empathy, equality and inclusion, vital concepts that simply mean accepting everyone for their differences and making everyone feel the value of their own self worth. In previous stories, other dogs and living creatures had to get used to Jake’s growl, something he does without thinking and certainly not to be malicious. His friends learned to accept Jake for this unique quality of his. Now Jake must learn to accept Tuck for his unique qualities (even Tuck admits that Jake’s growl frightened him at first until he got to know Jake). The colorful illustrations are endearing and help carry the story along. This is another classic to add to the Jake the Growling Dog series. Well done again!
Jake loves wandering through the woods. He growls at everything and everyone – in a friendly sort of way, of course. He enjoys meeting all of nature’s wonderful creatures and he’s made friends with many of them, especially Neet the squirrel. While Jake dashed through the forest trails, Neet would keep pace flying through the tree branches above. Then, one day, Jake and Neet discovered some unusual tracks. Neither one of them knew what to make of these tracks. Could it be an alien from outer space? Jake is quite worried and sleeps restlessly, fearful of what strange creature might be roaming through his woods. Jake enlists all his friends, doggy and others, to help solve the mystery. One of the new doggy friends, Tuck, helps solve the mystery, only Jake discovers that Tuck is the mystery because he’s different.
Samantha Shannon’s picture book, Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail, is another entertaining story in the Jake the Growling Dog series. This charming, inquisitive dog loves to share his life experiences, all while teaching both himself and his young readers some very important lessons. I like the way the author weaves a fantastic story, cleverly using rhyming verse, its lyricism making the message clear and familiar. In this story, Jake and his readers learn about empathy, equality and inclusion, vital concepts that simply mean accepting everyone for their differences and making everyone feel the value of their own self worth. In previous stories, other dogs and living creatures had to get used to Jake’s growl, something he does without thinking and certainly not to be malicious. His friends learned to accept Jake for this unique quality of his. Now Jake must learn to accept Tuck for his unique qualities (even Tuck admits that Jake’s growl frightened him at first until he got to know Jake). The colorful illustrations are endearing and help carry the story along. This is another classic to add to the Jake the Growling Dog series. Well done again!
Recommend this book:
In My Home We Believe
Odessa Stevens
2022 Honorable Mention
24 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
In My Home We Believe by Odessa Stevens is a children's picture book that teaches about improving the world we live in. Children will learn a lot of important subjects by reading this incredibly informative book. There are seven topics that the author has included, some of which are Black lives matter, women's rights, and love is love. So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of In My Home We Believe to discover what else the author has to teach young minds.
In My Home We Believe brought a tear to my eye when reading. The author has covered everything on how we can make the world a better place, and it is done by using colourful and creative illustrations that will grab young readers' attention, and allow them to learn more easily. The world can be a scary place, but with books like In My Home We Believe, children will feel comfortable navigating their way through life. I also feel that they will be confident in having their own opinions, and not allow other people to decide for them.
I honestly can't praise this book enough. I find it to be extremely important and vital in educating children about the world we live in at the moment because there is so much going on that could be improved but isn't. Children are the future and we need to continue working together to provide them with the skills and mindset they will need to succeed. Keep up the good work, Odessa Stevens! I look forward to reading more of your work.
In My Home We Believe by Odessa Stevens is a children's picture book that teaches about improving the world we live in. Children will learn a lot of important subjects by reading this incredibly informative book. There are seven topics that the author has included, some of which are Black lives matter, women's rights, and love is love. So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of In My Home We Believe to discover what else the author has to teach young minds.
In My Home We Believe brought a tear to my eye when reading. The author has covered everything on how we can make the world a better place, and it is done by using colourful and creative illustrations that will grab young readers' attention, and allow them to learn more easily. The world can be a scary place, but with books like In My Home We Believe, children will feel comfortable navigating their way through life. I also feel that they will be confident in having their own opinions, and not allow other people to decide for them.
I honestly can't praise this book enough. I find it to be extremely important and vital in educating children about the world we live in at the moment because there is so much going on that could be improved but isn't. Children are the future and we need to continue working together to provide them with the skills and mindset they will need to succeed. Keep up the good work, Odessa Stevens! I look forward to reading more of your work.
Recommend this book:
Cardboard Rosie
Cazzy Zahursky
2022 Bronze Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
What is important in life? Emma learns a valuable lesson about love and what matters most in life when her doll experiences a disaster. Cazzy Zahursky loves teaching by storytelling and in Cardboard Rosie, she teaches the value of family and relationships. Too many parents work way too many hours and spend way too few hours with their children. This often causes children to attach to objects to fulfill their need for acceptance and love. The child does not even realize they are doing this. Neither do the parents. The cardboard doll her dad made for Emma in this book replaces her absent dad. After accidentally damaging her doll (Rosie), Emma realizes that the doll is not important, but it was her dad that she really missed.
Is there someone missing in your life? If so, you will love Cardboard Rosie by Cazzy Zahursky. The lesson learned by Emma is invaluable. Cazzy has a mother’s heart and loves leading her children to learn. This love transfers to other children through her writing. This book reminds me of my many attempts to make my uncle’s pound cake. I never quite made it taste like his. Finally, I realized my uncle was the missing ingredient. Cazzy takes this situation to a child’s level and writes a lovely story to teach this principle. She also is the illustrator and draws in a style very appealing to youngsters. Parents, use this book to teach your children what is necessary for life—love. As long as your family has love for each other, it has enough.
What is important in life? Emma learns a valuable lesson about love and what matters most in life when her doll experiences a disaster. Cazzy Zahursky loves teaching by storytelling and in Cardboard Rosie, she teaches the value of family and relationships. Too many parents work way too many hours and spend way too few hours with their children. This often causes children to attach to objects to fulfill their need for acceptance and love. The child does not even realize they are doing this. Neither do the parents. The cardboard doll her dad made for Emma in this book replaces her absent dad. After accidentally damaging her doll (Rosie), Emma realizes that the doll is not important, but it was her dad that she really missed.
Is there someone missing in your life? If so, you will love Cardboard Rosie by Cazzy Zahursky. The lesson learned by Emma is invaluable. Cazzy has a mother’s heart and loves leading her children to learn. This love transfers to other children through her writing. This book reminds me of my many attempts to make my uncle’s pound cake. I never quite made it taste like his. Finally, I realized my uncle was the missing ingredient. Cazzy takes this situation to a child’s level and writes a lovely story to teach this principle. She also is the illustrator and draws in a style very appealing to youngsters. Parents, use this book to teach your children what is necessary for life—love. As long as your family has love for each other, it has enough.
Recommend this book:
A Star Upon a Dream
Kendall Newell
2022 Bronze Medal
54 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Did you know that everyone is a superstar? Unique and special in their own way? Even you! Just like all the sparkling stars in the night sky, each one of us is different. Bigger or smaller, brighter, and in many different shapes – we can shine in our own way and achieve our own dreams. Meleah is excited that it’s career day at school and the teacher has arranged for special guest speakers to come and talk about their chosen careers. There’s a doctor, who inspires Meleah, but her friends put her down by reminding her that she needs really high marks to become a doctor. Meleah is usually an average C student. Discouraged, she picks up when she listens to the police officer, the firefighter, and the zookeeper. Each time, her fellow classmates put her down and point out one of her deficiencies that would prevent her from pursuing any of these careers. She really wants to help people, but she’s forgotten the helpful, loving advice of her father that she really can be whatever she wants to be: “There is only one you, so embrace your shine because there is nothing else like it in this universe.”
Kendall Newell’s picture book story, A Star Upon a Dream, is a sweet story with a profound message: to believe in yourself and aim for the stars. The story emphasizes the importance of dreams and working hard to follow those dreams in spite of the odds stacked against you. The plot follows Meleah’s journey from excitement to despair and back to excitement again as she is presented with multiple career choices. The simple conversation with her father, both before and after school, will soften the heart and strengthen the resolve of many a young reader. The language is aimed at the young early reader and the illustrations are bright and colorful to add appeal and interest to the story. Like the stars in the sky, we are all a “star upon a dream,” unique and original and powerful in our own diversity and our own abilities. Beautifully told.
Did you know that everyone is a superstar? Unique and special in their own way? Even you! Just like all the sparkling stars in the night sky, each one of us is different. Bigger or smaller, brighter, and in many different shapes – we can shine in our own way and achieve our own dreams. Meleah is excited that it’s career day at school and the teacher has arranged for special guest speakers to come and talk about their chosen careers. There’s a doctor, who inspires Meleah, but her friends put her down by reminding her that she needs really high marks to become a doctor. Meleah is usually an average C student. Discouraged, she picks up when she listens to the police officer, the firefighter, and the zookeeper. Each time, her fellow classmates put her down and point out one of her deficiencies that would prevent her from pursuing any of these careers. She really wants to help people, but she’s forgotten the helpful, loving advice of her father that she really can be whatever she wants to be: “There is only one you, so embrace your shine because there is nothing else like it in this universe.”
Kendall Newell’s picture book story, A Star Upon a Dream, is a sweet story with a profound message: to believe in yourself and aim for the stars. The story emphasizes the importance of dreams and working hard to follow those dreams in spite of the odds stacked against you. The plot follows Meleah’s journey from excitement to despair and back to excitement again as she is presented with multiple career choices. The simple conversation with her father, both before and after school, will soften the heart and strengthen the resolve of many a young reader. The language is aimed at the young early reader and the illustrations are bright and colorful to add appeal and interest to the story. Like the stars in the sky, we are all a “star upon a dream,” unique and original and powerful in our own diversity and our own abilities. Beautifully told.
Recommend this book:
I Celebrate My Skin
Nonku Kunene Adumetey
2022 Silver Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
I Celebrate My Skin by Nonku Kunene Adumetey teaches that we are born with different shades of skin color and although the colors differ, we have so much in common. Our skin is our biggest organ and keeps us warm in the winter and cools us in the summer. We use our five senses to see, hear, smell, feel and taste and we use the functions of our body parts in the same way. We are not different from each other and must love ourselves as our skin color makes us who we are. Children love and care about each other despite the difference in skin color and they hold hands and play together. They are happy to be friends despite skin color, gender, or culture. We as adults can learn from children that who we are is more important than our skin color.
In I Celebrate My Skin, Nonku Kunene Adumetey teaches children to be happy with the skin that they are born in and that everyone is unique. The book was beautifully written and children can relate to the story and the illustrations. Children will learn to accept who they are and how they look and love themselves and others. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and appealing. The children’s faces are realistic and everyone is happy. The different communities and cultures in the world are represented in this story. There are activities at the back of the book, which is a fun way for young readers to engage and learn more. This is an inspiring tale with a powerful message for young children and parents.
I Celebrate My Skin by Nonku Kunene Adumetey teaches that we are born with different shades of skin color and although the colors differ, we have so much in common. Our skin is our biggest organ and keeps us warm in the winter and cools us in the summer. We use our five senses to see, hear, smell, feel and taste and we use the functions of our body parts in the same way. We are not different from each other and must love ourselves as our skin color makes us who we are. Children love and care about each other despite the difference in skin color and they hold hands and play together. They are happy to be friends despite skin color, gender, or culture. We as adults can learn from children that who we are is more important than our skin color.
In I Celebrate My Skin, Nonku Kunene Adumetey teaches children to be happy with the skin that they are born in and that everyone is unique. The book was beautifully written and children can relate to the story and the illustrations. Children will learn to accept who they are and how they look and love themselves and others. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and appealing. The children’s faces are realistic and everyone is happy. The different communities and cultures in the world are represented in this story. There are activities at the back of the book, which is a fun way for young readers to engage and learn more. This is an inspiring tale with a powerful message for young children and parents.
Recommend this book:
This Kid Can Hyperfocus
An Inclusive Story of Friendship and Determination
Patty DeDurr
2022 Gold Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Lois J Wickstrom for Readers' Favorite
A young goat, a kid, gets creative when he has a goal. Today his goal is to get all the other animals on the farm where he lives to smile and laugh. He wears a necklace with beads that spell out the word SMILE. He does his best with each animal. He tells jokes, and he rolls in the mud. He sings, he dances, he breaks a pumpkin and puts it on his head like a silly orange stringy hat. The joyous illustrations by Eduardo Paj bring all these ideas to life. The animals love his antics. This kid can now brag that he is the funniest kid on the farm. This Kid Can Hyperfocus: An Inclusive Story of Friendship and Determination by Patty DeDurr shows that determined work and creativity can accomplish goals.
This Kid Can Hyperfocus written by Patty DeDurr and illustrated by Eduardo Paj is published by Sensing Greatness, where the motto is “Neurodiverse children will change the world.” The kid (young goat) in this story can focus intently on a goal. Not everyone can do this. Not everyone wants to. This story was written to honor children who have and use this ability. This book can be a starting place for kids to talk about their talents and preferences. The colorful and energetic art makes it clear that the kid in this story loves being who he is and accomplishing his chosen goals. This kid also enjoys hula hooping and juggling at the same time. In this tale, he has set a difficult goal because it isn’t something he can do by himself. It’s something that requires other animals to do what he wants. Good thing he has fun doing it.
A young goat, a kid, gets creative when he has a goal. Today his goal is to get all the other animals on the farm where he lives to smile and laugh. He wears a necklace with beads that spell out the word SMILE. He does his best with each animal. He tells jokes, and he rolls in the mud. He sings, he dances, he breaks a pumpkin and puts it on his head like a silly orange stringy hat. The joyous illustrations by Eduardo Paj bring all these ideas to life. The animals love his antics. This kid can now brag that he is the funniest kid on the farm. This Kid Can Hyperfocus: An Inclusive Story of Friendship and Determination by Patty DeDurr shows that determined work and creativity can accomplish goals.
This Kid Can Hyperfocus written by Patty DeDurr and illustrated by Eduardo Paj is published by Sensing Greatness, where the motto is “Neurodiverse children will change the world.” The kid (young goat) in this story can focus intently on a goal. Not everyone can do this. Not everyone wants to. This story was written to honor children who have and use this ability. This book can be a starting place for kids to talk about their talents and preferences. The colorful and energetic art makes it clear that the kid in this story loves being who he is and accomplishing his chosen goals. This kid also enjoys hula hooping and juggling at the same time. In this tale, he has set a difficult goal because it isn’t something he can do by himself. It’s something that requires other animals to do what he wants. Good thing he has fun doing it.
Recommend this book:
Wipe the Slate Clean
The Story of Nester the Pester
Lauretha Ward
2021 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Nester the Pester is a bully. He steals from others, makes fun of them, and pushes them around. Even in class, Nester can’t settle down and pay attention; he’s always causing mischief. One day, his teacher reads a story about a bully. Nester tries not to listen, but somehow the story gets through. Nester is suddenly very sad. Is he really as bad as the bully in the story? Can he change? He does some deep soul-searching that night and asks for God’s forgiveness and help. But change is not so easy, especially in the schoolyard where most of the children are still afraid of the mean bully, Nester. His teacher comes to the rescue and everyone learns the power of forgiveness and that everyone deserves another chance.
Lauretha Ward’s picture book story, Wipe the Slate Clean: The Story of Nester the Pester, takes a different approach to discuss the very difficult issue of bullying. In this story, the main character is actually the bully. Told in rhyming verse and accompanied by colorful illustrations, the plot follows Nester's evolution from the mean bully, the resistant student, to the boy who wants to be forgiven, to be given a second chance. The author uses the metaphor of a clean slate to explain the need to forgive and to give others a second chance. The book concludes with a list of definitions for some of the more complicated words and some questions to lead students in a discussion on bullying and forgiveness. There is also a link provided to the author’s website where young people can find extra activities, coloring pages, and a literacy lesson plan. This book is a great resource as well as a powerful story about forgiveness.
Nester the Pester is a bully. He steals from others, makes fun of them, and pushes them around. Even in class, Nester can’t settle down and pay attention; he’s always causing mischief. One day, his teacher reads a story about a bully. Nester tries not to listen, but somehow the story gets through. Nester is suddenly very sad. Is he really as bad as the bully in the story? Can he change? He does some deep soul-searching that night and asks for God’s forgiveness and help. But change is not so easy, especially in the schoolyard where most of the children are still afraid of the mean bully, Nester. His teacher comes to the rescue and everyone learns the power of forgiveness and that everyone deserves another chance.
Lauretha Ward’s picture book story, Wipe the Slate Clean: The Story of Nester the Pester, takes a different approach to discuss the very difficult issue of bullying. In this story, the main character is actually the bully. Told in rhyming verse and accompanied by colorful illustrations, the plot follows Nester's evolution from the mean bully, the resistant student, to the boy who wants to be forgiven, to be given a second chance. The author uses the metaphor of a clean slate to explain the need to forgive and to give others a second chance. The book concludes with a list of definitions for some of the more complicated words and some questions to lead students in a discussion on bullying and forgiveness. There is also a link provided to the author’s website where young people can find extra activities, coloring pages, and a literacy lesson plan. This book is a great resource as well as a powerful story about forgiveness.
Recommend this book:
Willie
A Super Friend (Mom's Choice Award Recipient)
Barry Kienzle
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
We’re all different. Sometimes our differences make us stronger. That’s certainly the case for Willie. He has cerebral palsy and moves around in a wheelchair. He still wants to play with other children his age. Only, like Willie’s mother, the other children are worried they might hurt Willie due to his so-called handicap. He’s determined to prove them wrong. After donning a superhero cape, he returns to the playground and starts shooting hoops, moving about the court like anyone else might do on two legs, only Willie’s in a wheelchair. Other special needs children join in the fun and soon everyone, even those who were afraid of hurting Willie, join in.
Barry Kienzle’s picture book story, Willie: A Super Friend, is based on a true story. There are even photographs of the real Willie in his superhero cape at the end of the book. The story is told in simple language so young readers can follow along as they learn to read the story themselves. These young readers will instantly feel a connection to Willie and to the uncertainty of other children on the playground. Perhaps the situation in the story will compare to something they have experienced. Young readers will learn about cerebral palsy, living in a wheelchair or with other special needs, and how one’s differences define who they are and how strong they are.
Willie is definitely a strong person, both inside and out, and young readers will instantly see that. They’ll be cheering him on as he wheels his chair around the basketball court. But Willie learned an important lesson, too, that handicaps, special needs, whatever you want to call it that make us appear different, are all in the mind, not in the heart and the willpower to succeed. Beautiful illustrations that complement the story. Told with compassion and attention to detail.
We’re all different. Sometimes our differences make us stronger. That’s certainly the case for Willie. He has cerebral palsy and moves around in a wheelchair. He still wants to play with other children his age. Only, like Willie’s mother, the other children are worried they might hurt Willie due to his so-called handicap. He’s determined to prove them wrong. After donning a superhero cape, he returns to the playground and starts shooting hoops, moving about the court like anyone else might do on two legs, only Willie’s in a wheelchair. Other special needs children join in the fun and soon everyone, even those who were afraid of hurting Willie, join in.
Barry Kienzle’s picture book story, Willie: A Super Friend, is based on a true story. There are even photographs of the real Willie in his superhero cape at the end of the book. The story is told in simple language so young readers can follow along as they learn to read the story themselves. These young readers will instantly feel a connection to Willie and to the uncertainty of other children on the playground. Perhaps the situation in the story will compare to something they have experienced. Young readers will learn about cerebral palsy, living in a wheelchair or with other special needs, and how one’s differences define who they are and how strong they are.
Willie is definitely a strong person, both inside and out, and young readers will instantly see that. They’ll be cheering him on as he wheels his chair around the basketball court. But Willie learned an important lesson, too, that handicaps, special needs, whatever you want to call it that make us appear different, are all in the mind, not in the heart and the willpower to succeed. Beautiful illustrations that complement the story. Told with compassion and attention to detail.
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