Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Book Review and Giveaway—"Meet Annie"

Lisa Morguess who blogs over at Life as I Know It also has another blog titled, Turn the Page where she exclusively writes book reviews. She is an excellent and fair reviewer so I was pleased that she agreed to write a review of Meet Annie by Heather J. Scharlau-Hollis.

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In this short and sweet book aimed at young children, we meet Annie who is just like you and me in all the ways that count to little kids: she likes to play with her toys, she likes to splash around in her swimming pool, and she sometimes gets in trouble. But Annie is also a little bit different - she has Down syndrome. Although the book doesn't explain what Down syndrome is, it touches on the fact that Annie looks a little bit different and learns a little bit differently, and that everyone is a little bit different in their own way, and those differences make us who we are. My favorite aspect of the book is how the author invites and encourages its audience to identity with Annie by asking a question at the end of each page:

"Sometimes my zipper doesn't zip right. I ask Dad for help. Do you ever need help?"

"Sometimes I cry when I get scared. Do you ever get scared?"

Encouraging empathy and compassion without resorting to condescension or stereotypes, this is a wonderful book that should have a place on everyone's bookshelf who is touched by a child with Down syndrome.

Giveaway
The author of Meet Annie, Heather J. Scharlau-Hollis, will send a signed copy of the book to one lucky winner. To enter the drawing simply leave a comment below by Wednesday April 18th. Good luck!

20 comments:

  1. I would love this book for my nieces and nephew!

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  2. Perfect Timing! My nieces are asking about my son's differences. When they ask, my mind gets in blank and I don't know what to answer. I have thought in a getting a book for them, but I haven't found a good book, so I am glad you post about this book.

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  3. Sounds like the perfect book for our personal library. :-)

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  4. I would love to have a copy of this book, can't wait to read it :-)

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  5. I would LOVE to have this book for our family. My youngest daughter Vada has Down syndrome and we always get excited to find good books for children about Down syndrome. http://twilsonismakingthemostoftoday.blogspot.com/

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  6. What a wonderful idea; this would be a great resource for adults as well. Thank you!

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  7. We would love a copy and would be happy to pay for it!

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  8. Would love this book,to use at school where my son goes and 2 more children due to start with DS a fantastic way to introduce these wonderful children

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  9. As L is set to begin kindergarten in the fall, I am always looking for tools to share with her classmates and friends. I love this book! So sweet!
    ~Muttering Mama (http://www.mutteringmama.blogspot.com)

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  10. Would also love to win a copy! Looks like a great book :)

    Katrina
    email: colinkatrina.bosch at gmail dot com
    our blog: www.mum2brakri.blogspot.com

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  11. I want this book SOOOOO much!!!! Exciting!!!

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  12. Sounds like a great book!!! So excited! My son has Tristan has ds and this would be a great opportunity for my daughter who is 7 yrs to understand him better. I may just have to run out and buy it = )

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  13. Looks like a great book to buy! Thanks for the information on it!

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  14. I think that this would be an awesome book for anyone that isn't sure how to react to any special needs child. Even though the book focuses on DS it's message is universal. My daughter has DS and I have a nephew with Autism and this book would help anyone that these precious lives touch. Plus it would help me and my best friend to teach not only our children but the children ours will be going to school with.

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  15. I bought one for us and also my son's teacher. She is reading it to his class & was very happy to have her own copy! Love it!

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  16. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful resource! Sometimes when I think of the challenges my son faces and will face, I get afraid and sad...but then there are awesome resources such as this that make me smile full of pride for my darling baby boy! I would be honored to have this book.

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  17. Goldie is going to kindergarten next year, I would love to send this with her

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  18. Sounds like a great book! Would be great to read to my grandchildren. My daughter,Tabitha is 16 and was born with Down syndrome.

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Please share your experience and opinions, or ask a question. I won't even mind if you correct me on something.

ds.mama will delete any comments that are simply product advertising.