THIS IS HOW WE PLAY: A CELEBRATION OF DISABILITY AND ADAPTATION, by Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, Kayla Harren, Dial Books, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation, by Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, Kayla Harren, focuses on inclusion.
With love and adaptation, this is how we play! This read-aloud with an empowering refrain, from disability rights activists Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, demystifies and respects how disabled people and their families use adaptive, imaginative, and considerate play so everyone can join in the fun.
Back matter consists of a kid-friendly guide to thinking, learning, and talking about disability; a glossary of the different disabilities represented throughout the book; and a guide for grown-ups on ways to encourage discussions about disabilities with the children in their lives. Throughout, This Is How We Play centers, affirms, and encourages the disabled children and adults who are already doing the challenging work of advocating for themselves and finding strength in community. —Synopsis provided by Dial Books
This Is How We Play celebrates the fun and joy that can be had when adapting play to include everyone. The disabilities in this book range from ALS and Down syndrome to limb differences and Parkinson’s disease.
The text in the book has a rhythmic bounce to it that echoes the positive sentiment. And the bright illustrations are full of life and movement. Where This Is How We Play excels is showing disabilities across generations — kids, parents, grandparents, friends and beyond. We’ve had to make some of these adaptations in my own home, and it’s lovely to see them represented in a picture book. This is a must-have book for every library.
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
