Children's Books Stress Acceptance of Differences
As inclusion becomes more and more of a fact in our schools, it becomes more and more important to raise the awareness of the general education population on what it means to have special needs, and how we all, in one way or another, have special needs of our own.
I've created an index of children's books about specific disabilities, but I've recently heard of two more that deal more generally with issues of sensitivity, awareness, and bullying, by authors who have both personal and professional experience with special needs. If you're looking for something to read to a school or church group -- or maybe to your own child, to provide assurance that others are dealing with the same issues -- these may be just what you're looking for. Go to the author's site for ordering information.
Book: The Kids from Critter Cove
Author: Merilee Dodson, a counselor and play therapist who has worked as a school sign-language interpreter and has an adult son with Down syndrome.
Description from the author's site: "When a small group of special needs characters are joined by a newcomer on the way to school, they find themselves in a worrisome situation. The newcomer's 'perceived' misbehavior, and the events that follow, teach a valuable lesson about making assumptions regarding those who are different from us. The Kids from Critter Cove was inspired by the need for children’s literature addressing a broader understanding of special needs children. All of the characters are based on real children that have touched Merilee’s heart along her journey in working with special needs children and their families."
Book: Wild Boar Moore and the Four
Author: Sheila Ellis, who has worked with special-needs children and has a disability herself, fibromyalgia. The book's illustrator, Meghan Day, is a teen with dyslexia.
Description from the author's site: "This book is a welcome addition to any personal or school library. It tackles dealing with a bully, being a new student, helping others and volunteerism; while humoring us with animals doing yoga and delighting us with truly unique illustrations. A bit of linguistics is also offered: Note the endings of words in the title (oar, oore, our) they rhyme but they aren't spelled the same. Also note the names of the animals (ex. Agatha Bunny [AB], Garvey Horse [GH])."
Comments
Dear Readers
I am an author of kids From Critter Cove. My hope is that the book will be used to teach kids not to make negative assumptions about others who are different. I know that my book is unique in that I have searched for special needs books to use at work and home and did not come up with many.
The characters in this story include a kangaroo with a deformed hand, a Deaf bunny, a turtle who is “slow”, a mouse with ADHD, a snobby but gorgeous colt, and a school counselor who is an owl.
I am also a play therapist and mental health consultant in Lansing Michigan. Raising my special needs son has been a gift an honor. He has been by far my greatest teacher. As a new author I am thrilled to have my book featured on this site, but as a special needs mother I will be even more thrilled to see the book widely used for the purpose that it is intended.
Merilee Dodson
We purchased this book “Kids From Critter Cove” bye Merilee Dodson for our grandson. My sisters grandchildren and our local church libary. This is a very special book. It’s well written and the kids love it. It has an important lesson with a message that is easy to understand. Perfect for reading at home, school and church. I want to thank the Auther for giving us this wonderful book.