This book is written and illustrated by parents of an autistic child. As a special educator who has worked with dozens of autistic children, I highly recommend this book both to autistic parents and teachers and also to those seeking to understand autism.
Jo is a beautiful child who is autistic. He has a special interest in music and space, both areas in which he excels. Jo learns differently. He sometimes shouts out his words and needs to have a structured routine in which to function. Jo tries his best to fit in socially though he sometimes needs adaptations.
I liked the way the illustrator portrays children with disabilities in a wheelchair and a child wearing noise-cancelling earphones. The parents support Jo with unconditional love. Every child deserves to learn in the way that best suits his talents and capabilities.
Another valuable part of the book comes at the end when the author shares tips about communication, socialization, and the sensory needs of autistic children, which are a valuable source of knowledge for any adult working with an autistic child.
Highly recommended as a read aloud discussion book for preschool and elementary school children.
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An illustrated rhyming book with a twist. The protagonist, a young boy who hates writing, gets a writing assignment in class. He daydreams about the many activities he would prefer. While, he is a good student, he just cannot decide on a writing topic. Desperate, he scribbles all his ideas on paper in random fashion. When lunchtime arrives, the teacher collects all the papers.
The boy assumes he will fail. What do you think will happen? The plot thickens.
I especially appreciated the multicultural illustrations which also include students with disabilities. All children can identify with the characters in this inspirational read for students in the six to ten age group.
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The Donkeys Jesus Chose: A Catholic Chapter Storybook
Written by Christine Calabrese
A beautiful early reader for Christian families to describe the events leading up to Palm Sunday and the profound affect it had on one family.
Joshua, his wife, Miriam, and their disabled daughter, Mara lived a humble life in a small village. They have a stubborn, donkey named Sapphire who is about to give birth. Sapphire refuses to allow anyone to ride her. Mara must face the bullying of the village children who taunt her as a cripple. In those times, a handicap was often seen as a sign of sin. Mara has one true friend, Hannah, who tells her about Jesus, the Messiah.
As the village prepares for Passover, the family hears that Jesus will enter Jerusalem in a procession. Mara pleads to go. Then an unexpected request comes from a stranger to use the family donkeys for the Messiah in the procession. How will this request and the miracle that follows change the life of this humble family?
Along with the touching tale containing lessons of empathy, compassion, resilience, and hope, children are treated to the beautiful, colored pencil drawings of a budding young artist, Anna Williams who illustrates the chapters. As a bonus for young readers, the author includes a link to learn all about donkeys.
This book is especially recommended to Christian families and beginning chapter book readers.
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A lovely picture book that includes diverse multicultural characters and children with disabilities.
The protagonist, Tahiyah, is a third grade student who is a member of the Kindnesss Club. She has been waiting all year for Kindness Week. Tahiyah guides the readers through Day One in her classroom.
The book gives practical examples about spreading kindness in everyday situations. Tahiyah teaches children how they can practice kindness and teach others to do the same.
Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful teaching tool for elementary school classrooms and children’s home bookshelves.
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Lotti has a scar running down her left leg. She has endured many operations. That doesn’t deter her from her dream of becoming a rhythmnic gymnast. At first, it seems impossible and her results in competition are disappointing. Lotti refuses to give up and practices whenever she is able. She believes the day will come when she stands on the podium.
The picture book contains vibrant illustrations and easy to read text. Based on a true life story, its message is an inspirational one for young girls with disabilities. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
Recommended as a read aloud, bedtime story, or beginning reader for ages three through eight.
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Extra Special Heart: Highlighting the Beauty and Strength of a Child Born with CHD, Congenital Heart Defect
Written and illustrated by Carli Valentine
A beautiful picture book that tells the story of a little boy born with congenital heart disease. Children are told that the boy’s heart is super strong and that he is very brave in facing the challenges the condition brings to him. He faces surgery with courage and his spirits bouyed up by the support of his family and friends.
What a wonderful way to teach children about inclusion and to see physical handicaps as a strength rather than a weakness! It is a wonderful teaching tool to open up a discussion on all sorts of disabilities.
Highly recommended as a resource for parents and teachers of children with disabilities but also to build empathy for these children from kids in the general population.
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Written and illustrated by Sally Huss and Elizabeth-Hamilton Guarino
Olivia sits on the sidelines because she suffers from diabetes. When her friends ask her to play sports, go swimming, travel, or attend group events, Olivia replies that she wants to sit it out to play it safe. Her friends respond to her objections and give her examples of others who take precautions but instead choose to live their lives like normal children. Olivia wonders, are there others afflicted with diabetes who are pursuing and succeeding in their dreams?
Read this beautiful multicultural picture book that proves all children with disabilities can find a path to follow their fondest dreams. All children deserve an opportunity to succeed.
Recommended for any reader who has ever dared to dream.
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A family enjoys a picnic in a local park. When a bottle-cap falls off the table, their dog Buddy runs away with it. He just wants to play fetch. But that bottle-cap finds itself on an unexpected journey when different animal groups in the park commandeer it to use for fun. The boy runs around trying to regain possession while readers are treated to a riotous adventure.
The funny picture book features huge, colorful illustrations and large font. It is a fun read aloud for adults or beginnng readers. Characters are multicultural and diverse including children with disabilities.
Highly recommended for children ages two through five.
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Publisher’s Synopsis: The world is not always a perfect place. Needles, a scraggly little tree, must endure criticism, laughter, and setbacks to realize his goal of becoming a beautiful Christmas tree.
This is a story of dreams, desires, hope, determination, and never giving up. It also offers the observation that what others think is beautiful may not really matter. Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder and paired with the spirit of Christmas, maybe we can make the world just a little more perfect!
Richard Wagner grew up in Southern California. When he was fourteen years old, a business friend of his father’s had a small Christmas tree delivered as a thank-you. Their family already had a large tree decorated in the house. Not being able to find anyone who needed a tree, that small Christmas tree stood outside by itself for the remainder of the Christmas holiday. Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree is a tribute to that little tree and what might have been, but more importantly, to all the beauty, goodness, and hope that Christmas brings to us all. Mr. Wagner continues to reside in Southern California with his wife and two children.
What a perfect picture book to celebrate the meaning of the season! Needles is a short, scruffy evergreen tree growing on a Christmas tree farm. The adjoining trees make fun of him, but Needles firmly believes he will achieve his goal to become a beautiful Christmas tree in someone’s home.
The trees are cut down and brought to market but as day after day passes, Needle’s friends are chosen, while no one seems interested in him. When the owner of the lot, decides to gift Needles to a friend, Needles is elated. Now he will have a home! Will he achieve his dream to become a beautiful Christmas tree?
The story contains many twists and turns. Children (and the adults who read this story to them) remember that the promises of faith and hope are at the heart of the Christmas season. Even more important that sharing and caring for others is the true spirit of Christmas.
A perfect holiday choice for a bedtime story or read-aloud with elementary school children.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree, autographed by Richard Wagner.
One (1) winner receives:
– An autographed copy of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree
Publisher’s Book Summary: In the sixth installment of the delightful Honeycake book series, Nala’s uncles, Victor and George, take her to a fundraiser where she meets Alexis, a girl with an artificial arm. Through her interactions, Nala learns that you are never too young to lend “a helping hand,” that it’s okay to be different, and that being different doesn’t stop you from doing great things in life.
PURCHASE LINKS
All proceeds from each book sale go to The War Amps CHAMP Program as Medea Kalantar’s charity of choice.
Medea Kalantar is a Reiki master and practitioner, a Guinness World Record Holder, and a multi-award-winning, best-selling author of the Honeycake Book Series(TM). Inspired to write these books when she became a grandmother, Kalantar’s stories are based on her own family, whose members come from many ethnic backgrounds. This unique mix is a perfect recipe—just like the spices in a honey cake. That is why she calls her grandchildren her little Honeycakes.
With all the negativity in the world, Medea Kalantar’s series is a much-needed glimmer of hope and positivity. The Honeycake Book Series(TM) teaches valuable life lessons, giving children the tools to overcome obstacles in their everyday lives. The Honeycake books teach children about diversity, acceptance, kindness, mindfulness, trust, and gratitude. This series will enlighten, empower, educate, and entertain children and their families for generations to come.
Nala is so excited. She is wearing the beautiful pink dress that her married uncles bought for her and she is going to attend a special fundraiser with them. They tell her she will meet a remarkable girl named Alexis.She is surprised to find out the event is being held at a store. At the party, Nala meets children who have different types of physical disabilities. What really amazes her is the fact they have learned to lead independent lives and remarkable achievements.
Alexis is beautiful in spirit as well. She has managed to raise ten million dollars with her charity. Not only does Nala meet many new friends. she learns that being different is not a handicap if you are motivated to achieve great things. Nala is inspired to follow in her footsteps.
The book contains a glossary to explain terms that might be unfamiliar to the elementary school reader. Kalantar also reveals a bit about the real life character behind the story.
This book contains many important lessons for young readers. It is beautifully illustrated with multicultural illustrations that show different cultures and display many types of disabilities. I would recommend it be placed on the shelves of libraries and classrooms to be used as a valuable diversity discussion tool.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win 6-book set of the Honeycake series with bookmarks—including a copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand autographed by Madea Kalantar!
All proceeds from each book sale go to The War Amps CHAMP Program as Medea Kalantar’s charity of choice.
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Family of Spices
– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Help, I Swallowed a Butterfly
– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Special Magical Powers
– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Circle of Trust
– A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: Counting All My Blessings
– A signed hardcover of Honecake: A Helping Hand
–Bookmarks
Four (4) winners receive:
–A signed hardcover copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand
Five (5) winners receive:
– A signed paperback copy of Honeycake: A Helping Hand
July 10, 2024
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