Book Reviews
Turtle Books
Jason & Nordic Publishers
What our readers say:
The important book by Sheri Plucker entitled, “Me, Hailey!” is the best one I have ever encountered on the subject of children understanding and accepting a Down syndrome child. As a retired teacher of thirty years experience teaching Kindergarten and Second Grade, I know how important it is for books like this one to be conversation starters in the classroom. Sheri Plucker answers many questions children may have in her book yet keeps an interesting storyline moving right along. We are all indebted to Mrs. Plucker for sharing her passion for special children with us. This book is a “must need” for every elementary library!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lorraine J. Jones
“Me, Hailey” is a warm and humorous story about Hailey’s first day of school. Hailey, who has Down syndrome, easily makes friends, is helpful to her classmates, and in return, they constantly help Hailey find her glasses! Any parent with concerns about successful inclusion will be reassured by this book. A great book to share with classmates and family.Marsha Scheitlin, Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana (DSANI)
Have you met Danny, Sarah, Patrick, Andy, Emma Lou or Kevin yet? These are some of the characters in the “Turtle Books” series. As a therapist you have probably met someone like Danny who has cerebral palsy; Sarah, who is non-verbal; or Patrick who is learning to use a walker. The difference this time is that these books are written to help assist children in learning about disabilities, or for a child who has a disability. These books would be good for children who enjoy being read to , beginning readers or discussion groups. Each book has pictures that are colored or black and white throughout that help illustrate the story. The location, characters, race, disability and sex are different for each book, which teaches that disabilities do not discriminate. These books would be great for a classroom, waiting room or home. As therapists, many times we forget what it is like to look at life through the eyes of a child. We have trained as clinicians to look at events from a scientific perspective. These books will help awaken the child in you and remind you that a simple answer can explain more to a child than a physiology lesson.
By Rick Caracciolo, MA,COTA/L is employed by the GA Dept of Labor—Vocational Rehabilitation
“The books arrived safely this week! I have read them all several times! They are wonderful books and I look forward to using them in my class. Your book “Sensitivity and Awareness” is amazing. I can’t thank you and Turtle Books enough for writing and sharing such great material. It is difficult to find resources for children who have servere challenges. You have done the children a great service! Thanks again. Sincerely, Cheryl W, Ontario, Canada”
“Turtle Books is publishing wonderful stories about children who are disabled. We are delighted to see portrayals of children in believable circumstances who are not to be pitied or seen as heroic. The Turtle Book series gives a very real picture of each child as a person in a story that is fun.”
Sara Brewster, Director Public Relations, National Easter Seal Society.
This is a great story about how children with and without disabilities can learn from each other and help each other. Too often a child with a disability is depicted as the recipient of help, “always in need”. This is a more realistic picture of how an individual with a disability has greater skills (in skiing) and is able to assist a child without a disability in learning to ski. The story is also unique in that it introduces adaptive equipment and clearly demonstrates how even individuals without disabilities use alternative equipment to more fully participate in life. Great story for class discussions.
–Dr. Paddy Favazza, University of Memphis
“Are we there yet?” “Why can’t we have….?” Surely these age old questions were heard by parents as they traveled along to be counted as families traveled that road to Bethlehem. This is a year round favorite of the six and under crowd and a must for every library. It gives the reader a glimpse of travel those many years ago. They see and may compare the inn of that night with a motel they may have shared with their family. The story ends with Leah snuggled between her parents… “He really looks like a very special baby,” she thought. “I wonder what they’re going to name him?” The narrator asks the reader: “Can you tell Leah what they named the baby? That’s right. They names him Jesus.” Lusciously illustrated, this tale brings a child close to the characters in the Christmas story from the viewpoint of a four-year-old girl… the binding is reinforced with cloth — the sturdiest of books! A great selection for preschoolers.
–M. Catherine Blooming, HM, Catholic Library World
“Little Billy is a pony who was born and raised in the American West in the 1930′s. He traveled to Richmond, Virginia in a box car in the winter of 1942 where he was bought by a sawmill owner. Author Carolyn Baber weaves a delightful story of Little Billy’s real life adventures mingled with exciting fictional exploits of his young owner, Danny. Through tornado, fire, and a move from Texas, Danny and Little Billy share a very special relationship. Baber brings a realism to her engaging blend of history and fiction, drawing upon her experience and expertise from living with her husband on a horse farm in the Heart of Virginia and having been surrounded by and caring for horses all her life. Highly recommended.”
–from The Midwest Book Review, Children’s
This third printing of a Jason & Nordic favorite, has newly revised and colored artwork, but the story remains the same as reviewed originally in the School Library Journal (Sept. 1989).
“Three-year-old Patrick and six-year-old Emma Lou both have disabilities that keep them from walking normally. This simple story centers around Patrick’s first steps with his brand new walker. He keeps bumping into things and down he goes — once tangled in a heap with Emma Lou. Sometimes he wonders why they can’t be like other kids who walk easily, but then, as Emma Lou says, “Because you’re just you, Patrick, and I’m just me.” This book presents likeable children in real situations. Avoiding the stereotypical characterization of disabled children as brave or pitiful, it allows readers to both groan and laugh with Patrick as his bottom keeps hitting the floor. Yoder’s … drawings help build empathy with the characters and events of the story. This book should be useful both for physically disabled children who will, at last, have early childhood reading that shows real kids like themselves, and for able-bodied youngsters in mainstream situations.”
–reviewed by Constance A. Mellon
“What great books you publish! I have particular interest in the book, Andy Finds a Turtle. Since my daughter was born, I’ve been saying that she and the turtle have a lot in common: they both are going to accomplish what they set their minds to… it will just take them longer. They keep moving forward and never give up! Thank you for publishing these special books for our special kids.”
Debra Brubaker, Speech-Impaired Children’s Committee
Central Susquehanna (PA) Intermediate Unit
Andy is told he’s acting like a turtle because he’s not in the mood to cooperate with his physical therapist. The story tells of Andy’s frustrating search to discover what a turtle is. His disorder prevents him from verbalizing this seemingly simple question. The lesson he learns when he makes the discovery brings a happy ending… children and parents may greatly appreciate the portrayals of children with disabilities who have real feelings.
MDA
“Thank you so much for allowing me and the students of Overbrook School for the Blind to participate in the creation of your latest book, “The Night Search.” It is a lovely story of independence, persistence and creativity in the face of adversity. When I read it to the children here, they felt good about Heather and how she handled the situation that she had placed herself in.”
Sandra Finkel, Outreach Coordinator, Overbrook School for the Blind
“The book I read was called When I Grow Up. I enjoyed the book. When I Grow Up was about a young boy who was deaf, went on a Career Day field trip. During the trip, he met many deaf people who were working. In the end, he told his parents he was proud of his deafness. I strongly recommend all deaf and hard-of-hearing children to read this book with their parents.”
By Amy Mowl, 12 years old.
“This first book by a hearing mother with a deaf son, is one of the best beginning sign language books about deafness, growing up, and future careers for a deaf person, that I have seen.”
Hannah Merker, Academic Library Book Review
Paperback, 32 pages, $9.95 Children’s Picture Book
Does your child suffer from autism? Do you know what autism is? Would you like to teach to young children what this condition is without scaring them? Then I recommend you to get this book. It’s Time is the story of Tommy, a young boy who suffers from this so-often-misunderstood condition. He finds it hard to think in words and to express those words so that people may understand him. He needs to follow a strict routine, otherwise he gets incredibly frustrated and even afraid. However, by following a few simple rules, he is able to control his temper and fear of the unexpected. Mammay addresses not only Tommy’s fears and frustrations, but also those of his classmates as well. This is a helpful book to read to children so they will understand how to behave with children with special needs such as Tommy. The simple, colorful illustrations present the different scenarios effectively. At the corner of each page, enclosed in a small square, is a cute mouse demonstrating the emotion that Tommy is feeling at each particular moment. The author is a special education teacher who has worked with children with autism. She writes with a straight-forwardness and sensitivity necessary in a story like this. It’s Time is the type of book that will encourage an interesting class discussion among young primary school children.
Reviewed by Mayra Calvani
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Inclusion Book on Second Grader with Autism
Review by Bonnie Sayers for Autism Spectrum Disorders Site
It’s Time is an easy to read book for children and adults that is suitable for classroom reading from a parent or teacher. This will give insights into what types of issues or behaviors may arise if a child with autism is also in the classroom. It’s Time introduces the reader to Tommy, who is a good reader in the second grade. With a new school year just starting this is a good book to have on hand for other students to peruse on their own through the classroom and school libraries.
Parents will appreciate the soft pastel pages and illustrations along with the gentle reminders to “use their words”. We learn what Tommy is feeling by observing an illustrated mouse that is located in the bottom corner of each page that has an illustration, in a square box. The expression on the mouse will coincide with how Tommy is feeling, but has trouble expressing it in so many words…………………………………………….
My 13 year old son is high functioning and read through the book with no feedback from me beforehand. His impression follows:
Very interesting book suitable for young kids to learn how all kids handle their feelings in this age group. Mrs. Brown helped Tommy deal with his anger and calmed down the classroom. She was good at explaining autism to the kids. She seemed to understand him. I liked the mouse sharing Tommy’s feelings in the corner of the pages.
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Another wonderful story from Judith Mammay. For anyone who has a special needs child, this should be required reading. Especially helpful for sibilings and aiding them in understanding the difficulties these unique children experience.
Amie
Signs of Jays by Linda Kurtz Kingsley- a children’s picture book about 2 Scrub Jay babies who get rescued, rehabilitated, and then mainstreamed back into the wild…Great book for children with disabilities, especially relevant to hearing-impaired kids or any kids who want to learn about children with disabilities. Hand signs for some of the key words are included. Gorgeous illustration painted by Linda Kurtz Kingsley.
A Cornell Lab of Ornithology Education Department Children’s Book Recommendation.
When narrator Pete and his mother rescue two abandoned Blue Jays, his friend Mike, who is deaf, and other deaf and hard of hearing students help take on the responsibility of caring for the baby birds. His mother explains that just like the students in her class who are preparing to mainstream, the jays are being prepared to mainstream back into the wild. This story is very much about bridging the communication between deaf and hearing children and how two boys overcome their barriers of communication to become friends. The title holds a double meaning. While this is a beginning “sign” language book, Pete and Mike are waiting for a “sign” from the birds that they have raised and freed into the wild. The book includes twenty-four signs and beautiful watercolor illustrations of children using American Sign Language and wearing hearing aids.
A wonderful book for young listeners and early readers. The story of two orphaned scrub jays who are adopted by students, some of whom are hearing impaired, beautifully illustrates, in both the artwork and the descriptions, the task of growing, learning and adapting, to one’s environment. Illustrations of the ASL alphabet, a pictoral signing dictionary, and inserts on each page on how to sign words from the page, all add to making this book an important addition to your child’s library.
Annette Brehmer, School Librarian
“Birds are wild createer and you should not keep them in captivite, but it was good they took care of them. I think this is a good book.”
Cameron, age 8
My students and I had the wonderful pleasure of welcoming Linda Kingsley into our classroom. Ms. Kingsley read from her book, Signs of Jays, a thoughtful story about abandoned blue jays who find a new home in a school classroom. The book’s engaging storyline and colorful illustrations were enjoyed by the students, but the integration of sign language drawings throughout the text encouraged even greater joy and participation. Signs of Jay can be used to compliment many different lesson themes. Whether it be a lesson on life science or community building, Signs of Jays is a welcome addition to our classroom.
Joshua J. Carr
Kindergarten Teacher
International School of Monterey
Thank you so much for sending a copy of your book. It is very touching story that teaches how disabled people overcome obstacles due to their disabilities. Being deaf myself, for the first 13 years of my life I was forced to adapt to hearing world. To talk, to read lips. When I was introduced to sign languages a whole new door had opened up for me. Through this book you are encouraging children to understand that being different is a gift, not only for the disabled but everyone to share together.
Thanks for sharing,
Helen Poochigian
I just read the wonderful story about Charles and David. This summer journey was enlightening on not just Juvenile Diabetes but childhood obesity, bullying, our american lifestyle and family relationships. This book would be a wonderful teaching tool for any classroom, doctor office, hospital or in your own home. You do not have to know someone personally with Diabetes to learn and grow from this story. It would be a true pleasure to see this book and the others on this website to be a standard for children, parents and society to read. Thank you for awakening me to this much needed grouping of books!
Jill S. RN CDE UPMC
Danny & the Merry-Go-Round tells of a surprise that Danny, a boy with cerebral palsy, got during what he thought would be another boring visit to the playground. “That’s OK, I like you anyway, Danny. My name is Liz,” says a girl, and elicits her father’s help in enabling Danny to ride the merry-go-round for the first time….are a good means for kids to accept themselves and realize that they are valuable people.
Larisa C.
Have you met Danny, Sarah, Patrick, Andy, Emma Lou or Kevin yet? These are some of the characters in the “Turtle Books” series. As a therapist you have probably met someone like Danny who has cerebral palsy; Sarah, who is non-verbal; or Patrick who is learning to use a walker. The difference this time is that these books are written to help assist children in learning about disabilities, or for a child who has a disability. These books would be good for children who enjoy being read to , beginning readers or discussion groups. Each book has pictures that are colored or black and white throughout that help illustrate the story. The location, characters, race, disability and sex are different for each book, which teaches that disabilities do not discriminate. These books would be great for a classroom, waiting room or home. As therapists, many times we forget what it is like to look at life through the eyes of a child. We have trained as clinicians to look at events from a scientific perspective. These books will help awaken the child in you and remind you that a simple answer can explain more to a child than a physiology lesson.
By Rick Caracciolo, MA,COTA/L is employed by the GA Dept of Labor—Vocational Rehabilitation
…takes us through one day in the life of a young girl with Down syndrome. It shows the love and support of her family and teachers, each obstacle she encounters becomes an enjoyable, fulfilling experience. In my opinion every child and school must have these books as part of their libraries. Illustrations are very nicely done… realistic…mostly black and white but each “hug” page is in color. Language is very simple. Interactive questions, “How about a hug? And “I do say yes” being frequent. Very good for sharing about challenged children.
Brandi J., PT
Author Judith Mammay’s stories about autism couldn’t be more realistic. In this story, Ryan, a child with non-verbal autism, uses a picture book to express his needs. One day, when he wants to go to the park, he points to a photo in the book, showing each family member. His parents soon realize that Ryan is trying to convey his needs and communicate with the use of picture book. This new milestone is celebrated as a great victory for Ryan. This book is a great reminder that every milestone, each success, should be celebrated.
A great resource for families, sibilings and teachers to help them understand autism.
Amie
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Although this book is an easy reader geared for younger children, it is an excellent reminder for us to celebrate every victory.
I was delighted to have read yet another children’s book about autism, as there are more now, but one can never have too many! Ben Has Autism: Ben is Awesome, by Meredith Zolty, is a delightful book about a little 5 year old boy named Ben who has autism, but who can do so much! He can learn his letters and numbers, he can play computer games all by himself, make all kinds of faces and elephant sounds and likes to play Tag and Hide and Seek. But the author also writes about Ben’s difficulties with knowing how to interact with others and how difficult it is for him to put on his pajamas. Yet, he used to hate ice cream, but now loves it. It’s wonderful to read a children’s book about a boy making progress! Instead of fantasizing about a cure, the child reading this gem can learn to accept a child with autism for who he is, not for who he can be, but isn’t. The illustrations are lovely, with soft understated colors, adding a nice touch to the story. Yet, the facial expressions come to life and one can feel his sadness, frustration and excitement from the pages. This is an excellent book for Kindergarten and first grade teachers, children’s librarians or parents of newly diagnosed children, who want a more positive view of autism. Instead of gloom and doom, we see Ben just plugging away and enjoying life, no matter what. This book is a joy! I wish more books about autism were like this, but there is hope-some of the newer books I have been reviewing recently are more positive and more practical. The more we learn and understand about the spectrum of autism and its many colors and hues, the less afraid and negative we will be. Now, isn’t that something??
by Anne, Autism Society of Michigan.
I liked the way the book says that Ben is good at some things and has trouble with other things, just like anyone. I think that a typically developing child may understand and accept a child with autism better after reading this book.
Children’s School for Early Development in Hawthorne NY
From special ed preschool teacher Rosemary Brown
She did a great job capturing what she knows of her son for other children to understand, and for a child
with autism to understand themselves better. I think it would be a great book to share with families for siblings to read as well.
Children’s School for Early Development in Hawthorne NY
From special ed preschool teacher Jillian Alli
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