Friends at School

Brunnett, Rochelle
Star Bright Books, 1995
1-88773401-5
PreS-Kindergarten

This picture book focuses on an early childhood inclusion classroom. Clear bright photographs and simple captions, written from a child's perspective; describe a typical day at school. The children's disabilities are not mentioned or highlighted within the text. An appendix identifies the children by name and their special interest or characteristics. The disabilities are noted in a brief, matter-of-fact way.

The Biggest Nose

Caple, Kathy
Houghton Mifflin, 1985
0-395-36894-4
PreS-Grade 2

Eleanor the Elephant becomes self-conscious about her long nose after being teased by Betty the Hippopotamus. All attempts to shorten her nose fail. Eleanor finally realizes we are all beautiful in our own ways, despite our "imperfections". This entertaining picture book offers multiple messages about self-acceptance, peer pressure and judging others based on appearance.

The Mixed-up Chameleon

Carle, Eric. Thomas Y
Crowell, 1984
0-69-04396-1
PreS-Gr 2

In this tale of self-acceptance, a bored chameleon believes life would be much better if it could be more like the other animals it sees. After picturing such a "combination creature", the chameleon soon decides it's best to be just what it is. The amusing illustrations are multi-colored collage.

ABC I Like Me!

Carlson, Nance L.
Viking, 1997
0670-87458-2
PreS-Gr 1

In this unique alphabet book, a cheerful pig assures readers that "feeling good about me is as easy as ABC. To prove her claim, she offers an alphabetical description of herself-"I am a Good Friend. I love to Giggle and be Happy" Bold print and colorful illustrations will appeal to young children.

I Like Me!

Carlson, Nancy L
Viking, 1998
0-670-82062-8
PreS-Gr 1

The delightful pig returns with a list of the reasons she is her own best friend, from drawing beautiful pictures to taking care of her body and picking herself up after falling down. Humorous illustrations compliment the upbeat text.

Chester's Way

Henkes, Kevin
Greenwillow, 1988
0-688-07607-6
PreS-Gr 2

Little mouse Chester has his very own special ways of doing just about everything from cutting sandwiches to putting on shoes. Best friend Wilson does things "Chester's Way." Their neat predictable world is upset when spunky Lilly moves into the neighborhood. Lilly shows them different ways, eventually, the three friends learn from each other. Cartoon-style watercolor illustrations will appeal to young children. This book offers a light-hearted lesson about tolerance and diversity.

I Wish I Were a Butterfly

Howe, James
Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1987
0-13-6884-9
PreS-Gr 2

A nasty frog calls cricket "the ugliest creature." Feeling worthless, the cricket wishes to be a beautiful butterfly. The wise dragonfly and spider help the despondent cricket to realize its own self-worth. As the cricket begins to chirp, a passing butterfly wishes she could make such beautiful music. Softly shaded, double-spread paintings are the perfect extension for this gentle affirming story.

Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism

Lears, Laurie
Albert Whitman & Co, 1998
0-8075-3480-3
PreS- Gr 3

Like many children, Julie has ambivalent feelings about her little brother. Julie's brother Ian isn't like most other children. A she explains, "Ian's brain doesn't work like other people's. Ian sees things differently Julie realizes how much she loves her brother when he is lost during a trip to the park. Julie's descriptions of Ian's behavior present basic information about autism at a level young children will understand. The realistic watercolor paintings will also help children identify with the story.

Moses Goes to a Concert

Millman, Isaac
Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, 1998
0-373-35067-1
PreS-Gr 2

Moses is deaf, but it doesn't keep him from enjoying music. When he plays his drum, he feels the vibrations in his hands and feet. He and his deaf classmates also enjoy attending a symphony concert and meeting one of the percussionists who is also deaf. The story is presented in printed words, pictures and American Sign Language.

Play

Morris, Ann
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1998
0-688-14552-3
PreS - Gr 1

This picture book uses a photo-album format to show children from around the world at play. An index identifies the activity and country. A map of the world is also included. The lively colorful photographs create a celebration of universal interests and respect for cultural differences. (Other topics covered in this series include bread, hats, tools, houses, work, transportation, loving, shoes, and weddings.)

Friends with Special Needs

Rogers, Fred
Putnam 1999
0-399-23147-1. Inclusion. Putnam, 1999, 0-399-23146-3
PreS-Kindergarten

These titles are part of Mr. Rogers LET'S TALK ABOUT IT series. Realistic color photographs and simple text present introductions to the topics of children with special needs and inclusion at a level appropriate for very young children presented with honesty and sensitivity, and without judgment.

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