Sunday, July 28, 2013

Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair

Major accidents, injuries, and illnesses in early life, all have the debilitating potential to run rings of fear
around a child and imprison them in a cage of low-self-esteem and negative self-image. Here is one book for children that liberates them from fear and brings them the message of hope and confidence.

Winner of the silver medal for the Mom’s Choice Awards 2013 in the category “Children's Picture Books: Inspirational/Motivational, Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair: An Empowering Fairy Tale (Loving Healing Press, 2011) by Jewel Kats is a modern version of the timeless fairy tale Cinderella in which children meet a young Cinderella who is physically bound to a wheelchair. However, her beauty and creative talent are boundless. As her relatives make fun of her wish to meet the Prince at the up-and-coming royal costume party, her destiny turns out to be beautiful and true.

Taking a character with a physical disability and making her as lovable and strong as anyone is easier said than done; but Jewel Kats has done it perfectly. Her Cinderella on a wheelchair makes a model character for children who have suffered any kind of trauma or injury and its related psychological toll. Cinderella in Kat’s book lovingly goes about her jewelry-making work and remaining very positive and patient against the negative attitude of her family.

Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair also breaks with social stereotypes. Beauty for the Prince in this story does not mean looks; the Prince is moved when he sees Cinderella’s caring heart as she has made a get-well-soon card for her ill father, the King. Then, at the dance session, neither the Prince nor Cinderella is kept from dancing together by her wheelchair. It is a unique dance made possible by mutual love, respect, and care. Later in the story, Cinderella becomes an independent character, renting her own place and actualizing her artistic talent to earn her own living. She proves by example that one’s inner strength, the strength and beauty of one’s spirit is superior to physical abilities.

Like all empowering books, Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair is full of hope and encouragement for children. And it is also fun to read with the special fairy character Monique coming as a surprise and an amusing presence in Cinderella’s life. Written tightly with a touch of good humor and adorned with Richa Kinra’s eye-catching illustrations, this is one uplifting book for every child with any kind of physical disability, or any lingering effect of trauma, illness, or injury.

ISBN: 978-1615991129



Author Website: http://www.jewelkats.com

Monday, July 22, 2013

Lucky

Denise Carey-Costa writes empowering, uplifting stories for children. Her stories teach compassion for Lucky (Robertson Publishing, 2011) is one such heart-warming story about the life of a homeless cat, named Lucky, who is lucky enough to survive on the street against accidents and people’s neglect.
animals, particularly for animals with a disability or physical limitation that makes them less attractive at first sight.

In the story, Lucky is a character that calls for compassion, being himself a model of love and care as he befriends a lonely boy with a disability. The two find each other as best friends but Lucky is not accepted by the boy’s mother. How he ultimately fins her place in the boy’s home is the inspiring tale of Lucky that will entertain children while also teaching an invaluable lesson in care and love. 

The book is written in an interesting style with a good deal of suspense that keeps the reader turning page after page to learn what happens to Lucky as he hopes for having a family while facing rejection due to his ugly appearance. The story’s illustrations have been provided by Nicole Sjostrom and Jonathan Iseminger and they visually complement the story well.

Lucky will touch hearts and amuse kids and make a great read for kids in school and at home. 

ISBN: 978-1611700350