Enjoying this book? Help it get discovered by casting your vote!
Must read 🏆
An inclusive portrayal of ordinary characters take an extraordinarily endearing turn
From the author of Moonbeams 2021 Bronze Award Winner, "The Mysterious Pool" and Little Parachutes Gold Star Award 2020, "Squishy Sand" Book 1 in Leigh's Wheelie Aventures series comes the much anticipated next release, Book 2 Medieval Mashup.
While children living with a disability may recognize some of their own experiences, challenges, and feelings in this story, ‘Medieval Mashup’ is a great choice for any child. It encourages everyone to support and work in harmony with their friends, and to find the strength to be proud of their own unique identity.
Based on the true story of Leigh, the author's late son who was born with a physical disability, the series focuses on the challenges children with different needs face on a daily basis.
Leigh just wants to look brave and strong...
Leigh, Tara, and Cosmo are making costumes for a school Medieval Fair. But Leigh is afraid of looking silly and keeps snapping at his friends.
Will Leigh overcome his fear of not looking cool and make up with his friends?
A beautifully illustrated story of courage, friendship and fun.
The representation of disability in children's literature is sadly very few and far between, so it's quite a pleasant surprise to find our little protagonist seated in a wheelchair. What is truly admirable about the characterization and writing style of this particular story is the way in which such a unique portrayal is still rendered very ordinary, not at all out of place, where three children, Leigh and his two friends, Tara and Cosmo, are seen bounding excitedly towards an old garage in anticipation of their school costume competition, like any other kids their age would do, showing the universality of children's emotions.
The different complex yet understandable emotions that each child may experience when they are in such a dilemma has been depicted with special care so that the authorial voice doesn't overwhelm or dictate the story itself. Here, the author acts more like a medium through which the whole scene is enacted and brought to life. Additionally, the characters are allowed to interact with one another like other independent entities who have their own motivations, and the reader quickly becomes a willing participant in this absorbing exchange, by empathising with those stuck in the ordeal.
Although Leigh's friends couldn't exactly comprehend why he got so upset or why he was getting frustrated to their questions, they didn't abandon him. They continued to give him a kind of moral support by trying to offer him with other alternatives, constantly trying to cheer him up. Some of their proposed alternatives might even come off as insensitive on their part, however, it's actually the opposite. It shows their attempt to include him in their play. In the end, they not only enjoy getting their costumes ready together, but also do so while making Leigh feel self-assured and empowered. Perhaps, the idea of letting him dress as a knight would have been more innovative if he could use his wheel chair in the guise of a horse. But overall, the story is simple and beautiful.
Reviewed by
Published Indian author, freelance editor/proofreader and educator, currently living in France and reviewing books to support indie authors. Love reading poetry, short fiction and children's books. Not connected to Stripe, so kindly PayPal me @shrubaboti if you wish to support me, thanks! 📚💜
Synopsis
From the author of Moonbeams 2021 Bronze Award Winner, "The Mysterious Pool" and Little Parachutes Gold Star Award 2020, "Squishy Sand" Book 1 in Leigh's Wheelie Aventures series comes the much anticipated next release, Book 2 Medieval Mashup.
While children living with a disability may recognize some of their own experiences, challenges, and feelings in this story, ‘Medieval Mashup’ is a great choice for any child. It encourages everyone to support and work in harmony with their friends, and to find the strength to be proud of their own unique identity.
Based on the true story of Leigh, the author's late son who was born with a physical disability, the series focuses on the challenges children with different needs face on a daily basis.
Leigh just wants to look brave and strong...
Leigh, Tara, and Cosmo are making costumes for a school Medieval Fair. But Leigh is afraid of looking silly and keeps snapping at his friends.
Will Leigh overcome his fear of not looking cool and make up with his friends?
A beautifully illustrated story of courage, friendship and fun.
About the author
My children's stories are designed to encourage self-esteem, confidence, courage, friendship, kindness, resilience, and adaptability in young readers. My hope is that these stories will inspire and bring a little joy to every child who reads them. view profile
Published on February 27, 2022
0-1000 words
Genre: Picture Books
Reviewed by
Discover more books like Medieval Mashup
Create your free account to help this book get discovered and decide on the bestselling stories of tomorrow.
or
Or sign up with an
Or sign up with your social account