ThoughtFULL

Book Description:

This encouraging story shows how life changes when we learn to value those who are differently abled and to champion the power of thoughtfulness. Author Dorena Williamson explores the need to be “thoughtFULL”—full of thoughtfulness and awareness, particularly with those who have special needs.

In this delightful story, it’s awards day at school, and Ahanu (a boy with Down Syndrome) earns the award for being thoughtful. Later, when his friend Joshua sees others making fun of Ahanu, it’s Joshua’s turn to be thoughtful by supporting his differently abled friend. While doing so, Joshua learns important lessons about friendship, disabilities, and the value we each have as God’s children. Also available in this series: ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us.

This B&H Kids book includes a Parent Connection, an easy tool to help moms and dads (or anyone else who loves kids) discuss the book’s message with their child. We’re all about connecting parents and kids to each other and to God’s Word.

My Review:

A few months ago I had the opportunity to review the first book in this series ColorFULL, which was the first book in this series, which is why I was excited to see the opportunity to take a look inside this one. Dorena’s writing takes children on a journey to see outside of themselves to consider the others around them. ThoughtFULL is about a young boy Ahanu. Fortunately it doesn’t appear that he hears the mean words of the other kids on the bus, but Joshua does and he’s not sure how to respond. This book is great for kids because not only does it start to show them how to respond to bullying, but it encourages them to be kind to other children regardless of their differences.

This is a book that I wish all schools could share with children, however I’m aware that many public schools wouldn’t allow it because of it mentioning how God has created each of us. It would make a great addition to a church or home library. It’s a great tool for parents to use to start the conversation with their children about bullying and kids with differences. While Ahanu in this story has Down syndrome, there are other differences that children can encounter in their school years. I honestly don’t feel that I can recommend this story enough. I hope the author comes up with more for this series, because I believe these stories are so valuable for little ones!

*I received a free copy of this book from B&H Publishers. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.