THOUGHTFULL by Dorena Williamson (B&H / Lifeway Publishing)

ISBN: 9781462794744

My thoughts:  This is a sweet story with societal implications. It carries the weight of children who are "different" from the norm being accepted for the value they bring to society rather than looked upon as not able to do what the normal person does.

Students in a classroom see the down syndrome boy as a participant on the playground and in art class. Some accept him for his abilities which are good and worthy of notice, and some make fun of him not having capabilities that they themselves have rendering him different.

A good book to use within a classroom setting to help young children understand and appreciate the value of the disabled individual. Also, and perhaps primarily, a good book to use in a family situation when the child is in a setting where he interacts with the handicapped.

About the book: This encouraging story shows how life changes when we learn to value those who are differently abled and to champion the power of thoughtfulness.

Author Dorena Williamson explores the need to be “thoughtFULL”—full of thoughtfulness and awareness, particularly with those who have special needs. In this delightful story, it’s awards day at school, and Ahanu (a boy with Down Syndrome) earns the award for being thoughtful. Later, when his friend Joshua sees others making fun of Ahanu, it’s Joshua’s turn to be thoughtful by supporting his differently abled friend. While doing so, Joshua learns important lessons about friendship, disabilities, and the value we each have as God’s children.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

Prince Who Was Just Himself by Silke Schnee [Review & Giveaway]

About the book: The royal couple is looking forward to their third child. “He looks a little different,” muses the king at Prince Noah’s arrival. “He is not like the others,” agrees the queen. Soon they notice what a very special person he is, even though he can’t do everything his brothers can.

When the youngest prince disarms the cruel knight Scarface, the nation’s most dreaded enemy, with an act of compassion, everyone finally realizes how good it is that each person is unique.

This delightfully illustrated fairy tale for children three years and older instills appreciation for children with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, making it a valuable aid for teaching tolerance in the home or classroom.

My thoughts: The author is the mother of a Down Syndrome child whose name is Noah. I believe the author's intention is to bring to children a story that will help them to accept those who are different from themselves. 

Told along the lines of a fairy tale, young Prince Noah while still a small child saves the day.

Illustrated in simplistic art form with bold colors, the detail still captures the essence of how Down Syndrome children appear. This is helpful because young children don't always understand why someone looks a bit different from themselves. Also, since the story is about a child that is "different" but who has special qualities, the reader or listening young child can better appreciate others who are in some way different from themselves.

The special quality of Prince Noah was a compassionate and loving nature. This wins the day. This loving nature is a characteristic of Down Syndrome children.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review from Handlebar Publicity Group on behalf of the publisher, Plough Publishing. Opinions are mine alone. No compensation was received for this review. Winner's copy is provided by Plough Publishing and will be shipped directly to the winner.