Sometimes kids need help understanding chronic illness and disability, as well as recognizing and processing their own feelings. We hope these topics are an ongoing discussion in your family, and we love to review children’s books that may help you along the way!
What Happened To You?
by James Catchpole
Karla Fitch received a copy of this book as a gift from Mamas Facing Forward. She was not compensated for this review and all opinions are her own.
“What Happened to You?,” based on the author’s experiences as a child with a limb difference, is about a boy named Joe— who only wants to play pirates at the playground. As Joe tries to play, other children interrupt him to ask about his limb difference, speculating that his leg fell off or was eaten by 1,000 lions. At first Joe diverts the questions, but he becomes increasingly frustrated when the children only seem to notice his disability.
The Illustrator beautifully captures Joe’s frustration, allowing the reader to experience the isolation Joe feels when he finally wanders away from the other kids to stand by himself on the rope bridge. After Simone asks to join Joe’s game, color creeps back into the pages, embracing each new child who joins the shared pirate adventure.
Through both the story and the author’s note at the end, this book sets straightforward guidance for parents and educators: it’s okay to be curious about disability, but disabled folks don’t owe others the answers to personal questions. Instead, the author asks adults to teach children that disability is normal, provide general information when needed, and to use empathy when deciding whether it’s the right place and time to ask questions.
The book is appropriate for preschool-aged children through early elementary and uses familiar, child-friendly language. Educators can also take advantage of free lesson plans from the author’s blog by clicking the Teachers link at https://thecatchpoles.net/
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