I was so excited to hear the good news from Maureen Swinger, editor of Plough Publishing House, that I had won a copy of Prince Noah and the School Pirates in a LibraryThing giveaway!!
About The Book
It’s time for young Prince Noah to go to school. The prince, who starred in the book The Prince Who Was Just Himself, may be a little slower than other students, but he has no less joy in learning. In his kingdom, children go to school on sailing ships. There is a ship for girls and one for boys. There is a ship for children with an eye patch, a ship for children with one leg, and a ship for children who are slower learners. No one knows why there are so many different ships, but it has always been that way.
Then a terrible storm drives the ships into the hands of pirates. The boys and girls realize that they will only escape if everyone does what he or she does best. Through their adventures, they learn that diversity makes us strong and that every person has something to teach us.
This delightfully illustrated fairy tale instills the appreciation for children with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, making it a valuable aid for teaching tolerance in the home or classroom.
Book Description
The young prince with Down syndrome goes to school – and saves the day once again, by helping to rescue his classmates from a band of pirates.
Product Details
- Age Range: 4 - 9 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - 4
- Series: A Prince Noah Book
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Publisher: Plough Publishing House; Sew edition (August 1, 2016)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0874867657
- ISBN-13: 978-0874867657
"A gentle fairy tale about a young prince with Down syndrome who saves his kingdom from a menacing knight…. [It] offers a special needs child in a positive, starring role and can be read simply as a satisfying fairy tale…. The author, herself the mother of a child with Down syndrome, and the illustrator ably introduce a difficult subject in a fictional context with a light, sure touch." (The Prince Who Was Just Himself) (Kirkus Reviews)
The Friday #56
"Prince Noah beamed as he raised his hands and began to dance. And if he hasn't stopped dancing yet, he is dancing still."
My Review
The author has cleverly structured a community of school ships that house kids that are different than normal children for their studies. Those who are blind or have trouble walking go to different ships, too. I think sometimes we compartmentalize special needs kids from a distance because they are different from us and we don't know how to interact with them... but I've learned that what makes us different makes us beautiful! While the students are isolated in their 'floating' schools, they quickly discover their own unique, special giftedness and rapidly grow in confidence and strength with new discoveries in seeing what they do well. Later on, a conflict arises through a storm at sea whereby a group of pirates took command of all ships. Learn how dancing, learning and laughing together brings strength and unity through diversity. I love this very inspirational story for children and parents from this brilliant author. It's a great addition to the home and school library. The illustrations are quite nice, too. I plan to give the book as a gift to my grandson Noah (whose name is like the main character in the book) because he has a special need's big brother whom he loves dearly who has Cornelia deLang Syndrome. Together they enjoy learning and exploring the pirate life of adventure! Young readers will be reminded of the power of kindness and working together as a team. Great book!
5/5 stars! Highly recommend.
Nearby fire on Camp Pendleton. Helicopter crash was the cause of the fire. Another reminder of all the past summer wildfires we've had in SoCal. The fire is contained now and there was no structural damage. Photos for Skywatch Friday. Oh, and I remembered another children's book, The Boy Who Grew Flowers is a wonderful, delicate book for special needs children, too.
Happy Reading and Skywatching!
-- LadyD
5/5 stars! Highly recommend.
Nearby fire on Camp Pendleton. Helicopter crash was the cause of the fire. Another reminder of all the past summer wildfires we've had in SoCal. The fire is contained now and there was no structural damage. Photos for Skywatch Friday. Oh, and I remembered another children's book, The Boy Who Grew Flowers is a wonderful, delicate book for special needs children, too.
Happy Reading and Skywatching!
-- LadyD
