Customer Reviews

My Friend Isabelle

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Charlie and Isabelle are the same age but they have some differences. For example, Charlie is tall and Isabelle is short, and whereas Charlie runs fast, Isabelle likes to take her time. The last difference that Charlie explains is when he tells us: "I know a lot of words. Isabelle's words are sometimes hard for me to understand." In the text of "My Friend Isabelle," author Eliza Woloson never comes out and says that Isabelle has Down syndrome and I was thinking that any indication of her condition in Bryan Gough's illustrations might well be too subtle for young children to pick up. But then it occurred to me that if a parent was reading this book to young children, or let them read it on their own, and then there was probably already a child with Down syndrome in the family or in the neighborhood.

This works either way in terms of teaching the lesson that is at the heart of "My Friend Isabelle." Either the child will recognize that Isabelle has Down syndrome and figure out what is really going on in the story, or the child's curiosity will compel them to ask their parent to explain why Charlie has trouble understanding Isabelle. Once Charlie gets to the key difference between himself and his friend, Charlie recalls the words of his Mommy, that "differences are what makes the world so great." Having advanced the idea that differences are a good thing, the rest of the book focuses on the many things that Charlie and Isabelle have in common when they play together each Friday. They both like to twirl, to drink apple juice, and to go down the big slide at the park. At the end, the words of Charlie's mother provide the stories benediction.

The explicit goal of "My Friend Isabelle" is to have young children do their small part to make the world a more tolerant place. The idea that friendships are special and that our differences can make the world more interesting certainly extends beyond children with Down syndrome. Beyond the idea that Isabella can do many of the things that Charlie can do, although sometimes it take her a little longer to them, the book does not get into the specifics of Down syndrome. But the inside back cover provides web sites for finding out more information on Down syndrome from either the National Down Syndrome Society or the National Down Syndrome Congress. Parents will easily be able to find other resources on the Internet as well.

I can't praise this book enough. The illustrations and straightforward story line appeal to children while the message is one all aldults need to see. As the mother of a Down Syndrome child, I was overjoyed at how clearly the message came through that Down Syndrome kids are kids first. They enjoy all the usual childhood activities and enjoy friendships with thier non-Downs peers as well. I plan on purchasing this book for our local public library and our elementary school library as well.

THIS BOOK OPENS WONDERFUL CONVERSATION WITH CHILDREN. IT HELPS SEE DIFFERENCES FROM A CHILD'S POINT OF VIEW. PERFECT FOR THE KINDERGARTEN AGE CHILD.

This is a wonderful book about diversity in the world, which is truly what makes this planet great. This childrens' book has beautiful illustrations and has a story line kids can learn about the differneces in other kids they encounter in day to day life. To celebrate diversity, not ignore or make it a negative issue. This book brings tears to your eyes.

"My Friend Isabelle" is a book that ALL parents should have on their bookshelf. It celebrates the relationship between two children who are different from one another. It is an important book because today's classrooms are becoming more and more diverse. This book is a great tool to introduce these differences. I have been waiting for a book like "My Friend Isabelle". Thank you Ms. Woloson for being so insightful.

This book was realy sweet in that it talked about a simple friendship between two kids. We were looking for books that included children with Down Syndrome, but did not ever actually say they had it, and this book did that. It also talked about people being different, so I think it is really good for everyone, not just in regards to children with Down Syndrome.

This book is great. I was looking for a book for preschool children that included a child with Special Needs. Isabelle isn't pitied, excused, or glorified -- she simply IS! Fabulous story, good pictures, and highly recommended by me!

I bought this book for my classroom after reading its accompanying reviews. I wanted a depiction of a young child with Down's Syndrome that relayed the child's functioning and physical features in a low-key, incidental fashion. While the text and characters' activities support that goal, the size of the book (it's a little bigger than a standard paperback novel) renders the use of watercolors for the illustrations too subtle for the child with Down's Syndrome's physical features to come across. It's only after the story that a photo and description of a preschool girl with Down's Syndrome (that's written for the adult reader, not the child listening) makes it clear that the main character also has this condition. This book could be a reflection of their experience for a child who is already familiar with Down's Syndrome, but its pictures are too subtle for an introduction.

My Friend Isabelle is the story of two young friends that have lots of differences, but manage to find some common ground in which to build a friendship. Though Isabelle is a child with Down Syndrome, it is never mentioned in the text of the book. The wonderful illustrations only give a hint to why Isabelle and Charlie are different. This book is a great addition to any preschool classroom library because it celebrates the differences in all people. The amount of text is perfect for a young audience to listen to and is written at the appropriate age level. This book is a great tool for teaching young children about the differences in people and helping them to understand that they can be friends with people who are different from them.

An excellent story for sharing with friends and cousins of children with Down Syndrome. Simple, non confronting story which points out that we are all different in many ways.