Why the need for Kids from Critter Cove 

 

Hello, I am Merilee Dodson, the author of Kids from Critter Cove.  The Kids from Critter Cove was inspired by the need for children’s literature addressing a broader understanding of children with special needs.  All of the characters are based on real children who I have encounterd along my journey in working with children and their families.  I am the parent of a child with special needs who is now a young adult.

Reviews of Kids from Critter Cove

About.com - Parenting Special Needs

 

Children's Books Stress Acceptance of Differences

As inclusion becomes more and more of a fact in our schools, it becomes more and more important to raise the awareness of the general education population on what it means to have special needs, and how we all, in one way or another, have special needs of our own.  I've created an index of children's books about specific disabilities, but I've recently heard of two more that deal more generally with issues of sensitivity, awareness, and bullying, by authors who have both personal and professional experience with special needs.  If you're looking for something to read to a school or church group -- or maybe to your own child, to provide assurance that others are dealing with the same issues -- these may be just what you're looking for.

A reviewer, 01/05/2008

This book fills the broad gap in current literature about and for special needs children. The story characters have special needs that range from a physical deformity, deafness to hyper activity. The lessons that can be taught from this book are essentially twofold: for mainstream children, don’t think someone doesn’t have abilities because they are different than you and for special needs children, the lesson is you are no different than anyone else. The section named Critter Wisdom at the end of the story, is a very simple and comprehensive teaching tool. If you are a person with a special needs child in your life, this book should be on your must have list.

A reviewer, 02/06/2008

I have shared this book with my Sisters kids, my neice's children, and my own grandchildren. They loved the story and are very please with the conclusion. They love that the critters learned they were OK and could manage with the right choices. My husband and I recommend this book for children of all ages. We would like to thank the Auther for giving our kids these positive lessons learned. We are also sharing this book with the kids and the school Libary at St. Marys School.