See What I Can Do!
by Jon Roberts, illustrated by Hannah Rounding
Interest age: 4 to 8
Reading age: 6+
Published by Graffeg Books, 2021
About this book
Every one of us is different, each with our own unique set of personalities, challenges, interests and skills.
Yet, especially where disability is concerned, there is often a risk we lump people together into convenient boxes. In reality, as this book deftly explains, there are numerous different conditions and impairments: some visible, some not. And every child’s experience is different.
See What I Can Do! introduces a range of characters (based on real-life children from around the world), each sharing an insight and pointing out not only the challenges but also the positive aspects of their lives. The book does all this in a gentle, friendly and very readable way.
Alongside children who are blind or deaf for example, the book also provides an insight into the less well-known, including specific learning differences, asthma, epilepsy and cystic fibrosis. On each spread, characters discuss their own specific knowledge of that particular condition, and comparing their experiences, illustrating just how rarely one size fits all.
Author Jon Roberts (himself a parent of an autistic child) delivers the book in his characteristically comfortable and conversational way. He is re-joined by illustrator Hannah Rounding, whose artistic style is equally accessible and appealing. A useful glossary of terms and list of websites completes the package.
A beautiful book that celebrates individuality, empathy and understanding.
More books like this
-
Lilly & Myles: The Torch
by Jon Roberts and Hannah Rounding
5 to 9 years
-
Through the Eyes of Us
by Jon Roberts
2 to 9 years
-
Through the Eyes of Me
by Jon Roberts, illustrated by Hannah Rounding
2 to 7 years
-
Pop-Up Peekaboo! Ocean
by DK, illustrated by Jean Claude
2 to 9 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books about epilepsy and seizures
This booklist includes books with characters who have epilepsy and books with characters that have seizures. The cause is not always explained or known, nor is it the same in every case. It’s important to note that those books set in historical times do show some ignorance and subsequent ill-treatment, which can be hard to read about. However, these are excellent books that are well worth every child reading.
-
Inclusive books
Most children's books today suitably reflect our multicultural society. However, not so many reflect other forms of diversity, for example the fact that one in five school-age children has special educational needs. This is especially true of books for very young children. This list aims to help you to find early years books showing positive images of disability, as well as titles that may prove useful in discussing disability and diversity.
-
Books about developmental milestones from 2-4
Toddlers are bundles of energy and contradictory desires. They want to be independent yet can cling to a parental figure. This selection of books celebrates all the things most toddlers learn to do from age 2 to 4 or thereabouts, from jumping, drawing and playing with other children, to potty training and going to nursery or school. And of course, they enjoy being read to at any age!
-
Kindness, compassion and empathy: picture books
Help put your child in another person’s shoes with these picture books that inspire compassion: whether that’s towards animals, friends, or people in very different situations to your own.