Why Me, Mama?: A children's book about the disability experience
#1 of 3 in A World Of Difference Series
What’s inside...
Rose the wee owl is about to celebrate her birthday but feels apprehensive due to her differences from her friends. As she distributes party invitations with her mother, Rose discovers each of her animal friends also has unique differences. This children's book, 'Why Me, Mama?' explores various disabilities and promotes messages of kindness, friendship, and self-love. It has been recognized with several awards, including the 2023 Nautilus Silver Award, a 2022 Moonbeam Award Bronze Medal, and a 2023 IPPY Silver Medal. Set in the Public Garden in Boston, MA, the story introduces various disabilities such as facial paralysis, club feet, cleft palate, and many more, each represented by different animals in the park. This narrative helps to normalize disabilities as a part of everyday life and fosters a foundation of acceptance and empathy.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character feels about their disability?
What are some ways we can show kindness and understanding to people who are different from us?
Why is it important to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their abilities?
Can you think of a time when you felt different? How did that make you feel?
What are some things you learned from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, helping your child connect with their experiences.
Pause at key moments to ask your child how they think the character is feeling, encouraging empathy and perspective-taking.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences or those of someone they know to make the themes more relatable and impactful.
Encourage your child to ask questions throughout the reading to foster curiosity and deeper understanding of the disability experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story follows the main character as they navigate the world with a disability, helping children understand the feelings and challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more compassionate and supportive towards classmates and friends who may have disabilities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite encountering obstacles due to their disability, the protagonist demonstrates resilience by finding ways to participate and enjoy daily activities.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay determined and keep trying, even when tasks are challenging.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and self-love
Explanation: The book portrays the journey towards self-acceptance as the character learns to embrace their unique abilities and differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the importance of accepting themselves and others just as they are, promoting a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity and kindness
Explanation: Characters in the book show kindness by making adaptations to include everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of thinking about the needs of others and fostering an inclusive environment at school and in play.