The Prince Who Was Just Himself

(Hardback)

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Description

The royal couple is looking forward to their third child. "He looks a little different," muses the king at Prince Noah's arrival. "He is not like the others," agrees the queen. Soon they notice what a very special person he is, even though he can't do everything his brothers can. When the youngest prince disarms the cruel knight Scarface, the nation's most dreaded enemy, with an act of compassion, everyone finally realizes how good it is that each person is unique. This delightfully illustrated fairy tale for children three years and older instills appreciation for children with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, making it a valuable aid for teaching tolerance in the home or classroom.

Reviews

"A gentle fairy tale about a young prince with Down syndrome who saves his kingdom from a menacing knight. [It] offers a special needs child in a positive, starring role and can be read simply as a satisfying fairy tale. The author, herself the mother of a child with Down syndrome, and the illustrator ably introduce a difficult subject in a fictional context with a light, sure touch." -- Kirkus Reviews
"A new childrens fairytale . . . demonstrates how great it is to live in a world where everyone looks and acts differently from one another. Though Noah doesnt have the same abilities as his brothers, his parents soon realize how wonderful he is in his own way. And when the new prince defeats the kingdoms worst enemy with a simple act of kindness, everyone else sees it too." -- The Mighty

Author Bio

Silke Schnee is a journalist and works as a television producer for a public broadcaster in Cologne, Germany. She is married and has three sons. Her youngest son Noah was born in July 2008 with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). She writes: At first when Noah was born, we were shocked and sad. The catalyst for this book was witnessing the effect he had on many people, despite being categorized as disabled. In fact, our little prince brings much love, joy, and sunshine not only to us, but to all around him. Children are a wonder, and we must see them with the eyes of our heart: each child just the way he or she is. Schnee is the co-founder of a school in Cologne, Germany, that welcomes all children regardless of their abilities and disabilities. Heike Sistig studied special education and art and is a trained art therapist. She works as an editor for childrens television programming. She has illustrated several childrens books, and has exhibited her collages in several galleries. She lives with her family in Cologne, Germany.