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Books for 3-5 Year Olds About Disabilities

Teaching 3- to 5-year-old children about disabilities can be a challenge, and reading books that help them make sense of those they might see in other children or even siblings is one way to help them understand. Books about disabilities teach children that not everyone is the same, and although some people are different, they should be treated the same as any other human being. And children aren't the only ones who stand to benefit from these read-aloud stories: Parents, teachers, and service providers can learn as well.
  1. Andy and His Yellow Frisbee

    • Written by Mary Thompson, "Andy and His Yellow Frisbee" teaches kids about autism. The book features Sarah, a girl curious about why Andy spins a Frisbee by himself every day in the playground at her new school. Rosie, Andy's older, protective sister, explains autism to readers. "Andy and His Yellow Frisbee" explains how those with special needs are different, but shows that they should be treated with kindness, just like other children.

    Eukee the Jumpy Jumpy Elephant

    • "Eukee the Jumpy Jumpy Elephant," by Clifford L. Corman and Esther Trevino, focuses on attention deficit disorder (ADD). The story is about Eukee, a little elephant who has trouble getting along with friends and family due to ADD. Eukee enjoys chasing butterflies, blowing bubbles, and doing cartwheels, but can never complete other activities in school. Children see how Eukee finds out about his disability by visiting a doctor, who gives him the diagnosis of ADD.

    Danny and the Merry-Go-Round

    • Nan Holcomb's "Danny and the Merry-Go-Round" addresses cerebral palsy, from which main character Danny suffers. Kids follow Danny during a frustrating day, as he visits the playground with his mother and watches other children play. Danny's mother explains cerebral palsy to a young girl, who befriends Danny, and sends him on an adventure that helps him feel better about himself.

    Russ and the Apple Tree Surprise

    • Kids will learn about Down syndrome "Russ and the Apple Tree Surprise," by Janet Elizabeth Rickert. The book focuses on Russ, a 5-year-old boy with Down syndrome, who wants a swing set in his backyard instead of an apple tree. But after he learns to pick apples from the tree and make them into apple pie for his mother and grandmother, Russ finds having the tree in his backyard may be just as good as a swing. "Disability Resources Monthly" praises a book that "emphasizes ability and connection to all children."

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