Book Review- What Happened to you?

By James Catchpole

Illustrated by Karen George

Book Review- What Happened to you?

You and your child are walking in the park and you come across someone with an artificial limb, a limp or on a wheelchair? There is a 99% chance that your child is going to be curious and though they don't know any better, the questions might not be in good taste.

Joe has one leg. He is also so much more. He is a pirate, a lone warrior, a swashbuckling hero and much much more. But children his age, only rarely look beneath the surface. They are more interested in why he has one leg.

Did he lose his leg in the toilet? Did it just fall down? Did a burglar steal it? Did lions eat it? So many questions, none of which Joe wants to answer. Until one of the kids goes on to suggest that they play the pirate game. All is forgotten in the thrill of the pirate game and they come to a realisation that they don't actually need to know why Joe has only one leg. What they really need is- to have fun!

Sensitive with some humour, this is an exceptional book on this topic. As the authors note at the end suggests, we need to teach our children, manners and empathy and not every disabled person is a teachable moment for your child. That resonated!

An important book for all kids and also some adults to choose empathy always when dealing with such situations. We are not too thrilled with the art, but we especially liked the pirate game representation, which was beautifully done. 

Must read book for kids aged 4+ yrs. 

Buy the book here

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