Customer Reviews

Russ and the Almost Perfect Day (Day with Russ)

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

 

 

Kids will really connect with this book. Russ and his friends are so believable and likeable. The vibrant color photos practically pop off the page. What I love about this series is that it isn't specifically 'for' kids with Down syndrome--any reader will appreciate Russ' spunk and the story's message.

I have all three of the Day with Russ books and they all deserved the 5 star ratings I've given them but this one is my favorite. I appreciate the fact that Russ's DS is never mentioned in the book, it's just a fact. The pictures are beautiful and the story itself is lovely. I love the lesson Russ gets about doing the right thing and the fact that he is an example to his friend Kevin. I just wish that Janet Rickert would write more Russ books. Because my own son has DS I tend to look for books that feature children with it but the wonderful thing about the Russ books is that the stories are good, the pictures fun and Russ's DS is just part of who he is! I love it!

I give Russ and the Almost Perfect Day a very positive evaluation in terms of inclusive children's literature. It describes an interesting series of events, centred on a character who happens to have a disability, but this disability is not the focus of the book. Russ is similar to other students in his interests, activities and problems. The storyline is simple yet interesting as it presents a wonderful school day for Russ. All children would love to imagine a fun filled day similar to his experience. He must make a difficult decision that other children can relate to, and several of his emotions are expressed through the colourful, appealing photographs on each page. There are no stereotypes or labels used, all settings are inclusive of someone with a disability, and all situations show Russ in valued roles, as an active and contributing individual. I highly recommend it as a valuable example of how inclusive children's literature should be written. It would be an asset to any school or home library.
Joan McHale

This is just one in a series of lovely stories about the adventures of Russ. In this one, Russ is having an unbelievably amazing day. It seems nothing could go wrong, until he is faced with a challenging decision that could impact others in a big way. Through the book's photographs, we learn that Russ, an energetic and popular young boy, has Down syndrome. This book is a sensationally casual look at inclusion and kids will delight in this fun school! If only all schools could be as exciting as the one Russ goes to!