Ben, King of the River (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) [Library Binding]

David Gifaldi (Author), Layne Johnson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2001 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Concept Books (Albert Whitman)

Chad can't wait for the camping trip. He just hopes his brother, Ben, won't ruin it. Ben was born with a developmental disability, and though he's five, he doesn't always act it. Ben doesn't like new things, and sometimes his behavior is embarrassing. Chad loves Ben, but life with him can be frustrating. The camping trip is great, and Ben especially loves being in the water. He splashes and plays and holds his hands high, like he's King of the River. But Chad sees some boys who make fun of Ben. The brothers encounter the same boys later and Chad expects the worst. But when he introduces Ben, something surprising—and wonderful—takes place.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Chad is not looking forward to camping with his younger brother, who is developmentally disabled. The family engages in typical outdoor activities, such as setting up the tent, hiking, and swimming. In each of them, Ben reacts in a way that annoys or embarrasses Chad. When they are swimming, other boys make fun of Ben, although they all meet up later in the woods and make friends. The story shows the different emotions that the sibling of a mentally disabled individual might feel and thus should be helpful to a child facing the same situation. The watercolor illustrations attempt to show the feelings of the family through facial expressions and depict the wildlife, such as deer, raccoons, and insects, but they are generally not well executed. The story is followed by comments from the young boy used as the model for the story and some useful tips about living with a mentally disabled sibling. A serviceable but not outstanding addition.

Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5-8. The older brother of a developmentally disabled boy narrates this heartfelt story describing the family's first camping trip. Chad is concerned that 5-year-old Ben, who is still in diapers, has allergies, and dislikes new things, will ruin the camping trip he has been looking forward to. The highs and lows of the trip, and of life with Ben, are nicely conveyed in Chad's frank narration and in the expressive watercolors, which effectively communicate Chad's mixed emotions: frustration at Ben's babyish behavior; embarrassment when Ben makes a scene; and shame when he instinctively pulls away when Ben tries to hold his hand. An endnote by the author's 13-year-old nephew talks about having a disabled sibling, and there's a page of tips for children who do. Kids with a disabled relative or friend will strongly relate to this, but the story can also be used to increase awareness and sensitivity among a wider audience. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (April 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807506354
• ISBN-13: 978-0807506356
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,239,767 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars we love this book, December 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Ben, King of the River (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) (Library Binding)

I have 5 children and one who lies somewhere on the autistic spectrum just like Ben. My two boys are sometimes embarrassed by their brother. When we checked this book out of the library, they wanted to read it again and again because we could relate to so many parts of the story. It gave me a great way to talk to my kids about their feelings and it gave us all a sense of humor about some of the stranger things my son does. I highly recommend this book for anyone searching for a way to discuss a developmentally disabled child with siblings. It is light-hearted and a great story but also very realistic about the issues and emotions involved in having a sibling who is "different".

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful as a classroom guidance lesson, September 16, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Ben, King of the River (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) (Library Binding)

I am an elementary school counselor, and recently used this book in 5th grade classrooms at my school. We discussed the topics of cooperation, tolerance, and accepting those who are different from us. The book was useful in helping students empathize with the frustrations and emotions of the narrator, and also in seeing the good points of the disabled younger brother. We were then able to move into a discussion of accepting classmates who are "different". Several groups applauded when I finished the book - - not a frequent occurrence with this age group!