Hansel and Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist

Hansel 0& Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist

Jewel Kats, Author

Claudia Marie Lenart, Illustrator

Loving Healing Press, Fiction, Oct. 10, 2014

Suitable for Ages: 3-7

Themes: Down syndrome, Fairy tale, Special needs

Opening: “One fateful night, a storm ripped through Cottage Country…The rain finally stopped pouring days and days later. Cottage Country was deserted. The only people left were the fisherman and his family.”

Synopsis: A storm sweeps through a village and a fisherman and his two children, Hansel and Gretel, are the only survivors. Their food runs out and Hansel and Gretel are sent to search for food in the forest. Their mother protests that Hansel is sick and too young for such an adventure. But, Hansel’s father disagrees and says he has Down syndrome and that they can’t always protect him forever. Hansel takes the lead and bravely runs into the forest and stumbles upon the witch’s candy house. Will Hansel be able to outwit and negotiate with the witch?

Why I like about this book:

Jewel Kats retells this magical story with the main character, Hansel, who has Down syndrome — a different ability.
It is the perfect read for World Down Syndrome Day, March 21.
This book will help readers look beyond disabilities and see Hansel as a clever, capable, determined and successful hero, who faces the witch with wit and kindness.
The story breaks stereotypes and touches on prejudices about what a child with a disability can achieve. And there is an unexpected twist with the witch, who also shouldn’t be judged by her appearance.
Claudia Lenart’s illustrations are breathtaking, whimsical, and contribute to the book’s appeal. Lenart is a fiber artist who pokes wool and other natural fibers, like alpaca, with a barbed needle to sculpt her soft characters and scenes. This is the perfect medium for a fairy tale.

Resources: Check out the website for World Down Syndrome Day, where you can find information, personal stories, worldwide events and how to participate. And visit Jewel Kats and Claudia Marie Lenart at their websites.

My Sister, Alicia May

My Sister, Alicia May

Nancy Tupper Ling, Author

Shennen Bersani, Illustrator

Pleasant St. Press, Fiction, 2009

Suitable for Ages: 4-8

Themes: Down Syndrome, Sisters, Bullying, Special Needs

Opening: BANG! Every morning Alicia May throws open my bedroom door. Crack! The “Stay Out!” sign falls to the floor. “Here I am!” she crises “Rise and shine!”

Synopsis: In many ways, Rachel and Alicia are like any sisters. But Rachel knows her sister is very different, and very special. She has Down syndrome. Alicia May likes dogs and horses, is curious about ladybugs and dragonflies, talks to animals at the zoo and calls them funny names, loves to paint her nails, is friendly and gives good hugs. Sometimes Alicia May is annoying and embarrassing and Rachel doesn’t want to be around her. But, when boys on the bus tease Alicia May, Rachel is the first to stand up for her sister.

Why I like this story: This is a heartwarming story for siblings of children with Down’s syndrome. Nancy Tupper Ling based the story on the lives of two real sisters she’s close friends with. It is a compassionate story that offers a peek into the daily life of a child with special needs and the complexities for the family. I like that the story is told from Rachel’s viewpoint. Shennen Bersani’s illustrations are colorful pastels and almost photographic in their detail. Look at the pictures of the girls at the end of the book as she has really captured their features and personalities. Check out Nancy Tupper Ling’s website.

Resources: Contact the National Down Syndrome Society for more information on resources, success stories, transition tool kits, caring for your family and advocacy.

The Best Worst Brother — National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

The Best Worst Brother is written by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, illustrated by Charlotte Fremaux and published by Woodbine House for children 4-8 years. It is a very realistic portrayal of how a sibling deals with her feelings about her brother who has Down Syndrome (DS). The author’s text is simple, and is complimented by the illustrator’s lovely pastel paintings, which give a sense of tenderness to the story. What I especially like is the fact that no where in the story is Emma’s brother labeled as having Down Syndrome — he is just different. So the book has a more universal appeal.

Emma feels that her brother is the worst brother. She liked Isaac better when he was a baby when she could cuddle and love him. Now that he is older, she feels frustration and confusion. As a baby, Emma has fun feeding Isaac and makes funny airplane sounds as she flies the spoon into his open mouth. Now, he spits out his food and throws it everywhere. Emma likes to make funny faces and watches Isaac giggle with glee. Now that he is older, playing with Isaac has become a battleground. Emma is impatient with Isaac’s slow motor and speech development, which is a common sibling response. Emma and her parents learn sign language, but progress is slow and Emma is frustrated. It isn’t until Isaac attends Emma’s open house at school, that she realizes he’s learning what she is teaching him. When her teacher approaches Isaac with a plate of cookies he signs “please” and “thank you.” Emma is so proud and decides that her brother is a keeper. Sign language is often used with children with special needs like DS. There is a Question and Answer section at the end of the book.

October marks the 30th anniversary of the National Down Syndrome Society’s awareness month. For information please check out their website.

Woodbine House is holding a contest for talented teen/adult writers and artists with Down Syndrome. Woodbine House says that “many teens and adults with DS are incredibly talented and don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.” Winners will receive an award and have the opportunity to see their work published in a high quality, full-color book.

Participants must be over 12 years of age, residents of the U.S., Canada or Mexico. Entries may be submitted in many different categories that include fiction writing, poetry, song lyrics, cartoons, painting, sculptures, embroidery, weaving and other mediums. For details on contest submission go to http://www.woodbinehouse.com/DScreativecontest.asp. The deadline for entries is Dec. 31, 2011.

If you are a parent, teacher or an interested teen/adult with DS, please pass along the contest formation.

I became familiar with Woodbine House after reviewing a special series of books titled Off We Go! last April, and most recently The Best Worst Brother. I discovered that Woodbine House is a leading publisher of books for children with special needs. Many of their employees have a personal connection to someone with special needs — a winning combination for all involved. You can view their books for children, parents, teachers and professionals at: www.woodbinehouse.com.