Book Review -- Slippery Willie's Stupid Ugly Shoes

Click here to order book at Amazon.com

Willie is different. He has slippery feet that require him to have special shoes. He's a special kid. Yet, he's worried about how others will perceive him in his new, corrective shoes. This is a window into the mind of a child with differences: physical, psychological and/or intellectual.

Author, Larry Peterson, takes a look at the world of a boy named Willie who is different, not necessarily disabled, but different. Willie's difference is enough to make him feel anxiety over what will help him "fit in". And that is what I think makes this book special. Slippery Willie's Stupid Ugly Shoes exposes a defect in society -- instead of focusing on what makes us alike, the fact that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, we tend to focus on what makes us different. And, when we do that, we become anxious about what people think, how they will react or behave toward us, and how we will fit in.

I really enjoyed this book and only had a couple of little quirky issues with it. Without telling them that I didn't enjoy the use of the words stupid and hate, I read this book to my girls. Here are some of their comments and my responses to them:

Meggie (age 13) -- "I liked the book, but I wish that the author didn't use the word stupid. This is one of those things that kids say to other kids to make them feel bad. He should have used a different word. Plus, I know you don't like that word. You probably wouldn't ever buy this book or take it out of the library for us. But, I still think it's cute and helpful."

Mom -- You're right, Meg. I didn't like the use of the word stupid. It is something I don't encourage you kids to say...also the word hate. They are strong words that spark strong emotions and tend to be used against people. So, you're more than likely right; if I had not received this book from Larry with a request to review it, I probably wouldn't have selected it off the shelf myself. And then we wouldn't have read this really nice story.

Annie (age 10) -- "I remember when Grace had to go to open house in the wheel chair. People showed her a lot of attention. It wasn't all good. I guess that would make you worry."

Mom -- In the story, Willie didn't even have the shoes on yet and he was worried. I don't remember if Grace was anxious before the open house, but that would be a similar experience if she was. You're right.

Grace (age 9) -- I liked the story and I thought that when everyone was laughing at Willie it was sad that his shoes were so ugly. But, it really didn't matter because they were what he needed and they helped him a lot. It was really mean to laugh at him, though, because he was finally able to do what they did. They should be happy for him.

Mom -- That's right. Lots of people, even your brother Eddie, use equipment and devices that help them access the world in ways similar to the rest of us. It doesn't feel good at all when people stare at your brother or whisper about him. But, we know that it is due to ignorance, and if we simply introduce them to him and the way he is different and the same, it makes everyone more comfortable.

The overall impression of this book was VERY GOOD. The kids liked the story and I liked it, too. It's a great way to introduce children to the fact that kids with differences or disabilities can feel a little anxious about how others with perceive them and accept them. If you can tolerate the words stupid and hate in the story, or substitute other words for pre-readers, you'll enjoy using this book as a conduit to talking to your children about people who are different.

Slippery Willie's Stupid Ugly Shoes, by Larry Peterson, has also received the Catholic Writer's Guild Seal of Approval.

Read more about Slippery Willie at:  http://www.slipperywillie.blogspot.com/

Second Chance -- A Review For Tribute Books

I was looking forward to reading this little book: Second Chance by, Sandra J. Gerencher. Because I have a child with significant special needs (some autistic like tendencies), I was intrigued by the premise of the book -- both a child with autism and a dog being saved by adoption. I am a huge fan of adoption; I believe that more people should explore the option to adopt children, especially children with special needs. But, I didn't quite see the similarities between adopting a child with special needs and a pup.

So, I began to read the book. Immediately, I was concerned. Knowing it was a book meant for children, I tried to swallow hard and work my way through Chance, the adopted dog, narrating the story. I just have a problem with issues as important as those raised in this book being reasoned through by a dog, considering dog's can't reason. (Reminder to self: Children's book, remember children's book...)

I also had a moment of pause when the author suggested that her adopted son, Ryan, a child with autism, could speak DOG. The child was actually able to carry out a conversation with the pooch.  Now, I don't have a child with autism, but I also don't believe children with autism are akin to Dr. Doolittle. I am not sure that this image is appropriate to present to curious children reading the book. It was a stretch and a bit too contrived, again, for the importance of the message the author was trying to present.

I did appreciate the attempt to appeal to children and teach them about topics such as special needs, adoption and caring for animals that are destined for euthanasia. This book was written by a mother who obviously loves her child and her pets. Unfortunately, the way in which she presented the content just didn't do it for me.

Below are links to information regarding this Second Chance. Read it, and if you have an opinion you'd like to share, come back and leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.


Awards:PBS Kids Recommended title
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/adoption/print_books.html

Book web site:http://www.chancetheshelterdog.com
Sandra J. Gerencher Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1579236662
Tribute Books website:http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/ 171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/ TributeBooks

Sandra J. Gerencher Bio:          Sandra J. Gerencher is a special education teacher in the Bangor     Area public school system. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked     at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program     Specialist for adults with disabilities. Over the past 20 years she     has worked with children and adults with special needs in such areas     as counseling, Behavior Specialist Consultation, behavioral     research, crisis intervention and abuse therapy. Sandra graduated     from Lehigh University with a M.Ed. in Special Education (2004) and     from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with an M.S. in     Counseling Psychology (1999).

YouTube video book trailer embed html code:


Buy links:
http://www.tribute-books.com/shop.html#children6

Excerpt:
http://www.freado.com/read/8704/second-chance-how-adoption-saved-a-boy-with-autism-his-shelter-dog
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YMCA Says Santa Is Contraversial Figure

Ho, ho, ho...Frosty? Really?

Secular Santa Is 
Politically Incorrect! 

I don't get it! What's so funny?

 See what I have to say about it:
Faith on the High Wire

Prayer request for a tiny saint's family

In August, baby Gianna's mother wrote....

We were ushered out of the room and into the perinatologist’s office who confirmed what the other lady had told us. She called it Trisomy 13.

I had been praying to St. Gianna Molla since finding out I was pregnant and had thought that if it was a girl we should call her Gianna.

Gianna was born on Friday night and lived for forty-five minutes. Her short life was spent in baptismal innocence, basking in her family's love. Please pray for her grieving family.

CNA's Catholic Womanhood -- Kathy's Latest Piece

Familiaris Consortio After 30 Years 

Does the Pill remake the brain?

Progesterone and estrogen are steroid hormones, and can cause changes in the very structure of the brain.   The Pill works by overriding a woman's natural hormonal cycles and replacing them with artificial hormones on an artificial cycle.  Gee!  What could go wrong?

It turns out that the brain is a veritable sponge for steroid hormones....

Whereas the subtle structural effects of naturally-occurring steroid hormones and sex differences in the brain have been extensively studied, few studies have examined the role of synthetic hormones on changes in the human brain.  What happens, then, when the female brain gets a significant and artificial dose of steroid hormone, either progesterone, estrogen or both?...

 It appears that the brain, that sensitive organ replete with steroid receptors, reacts to its hormonal milieu with startling structural modifications.  ....women using hormonal contraceptives showed larger gray matter volumes in the prefrontal cortex, pre- and postcentral gyri, the parahippocampal and fusiform gyri and temporal regions, when compared to naturally cycling women. The brain works like a neural beehive; the proper coordinated functioning of groups of tasked neurons are important to successfully accomplish a variety of mental tasks -- even the sensory processing and motor coordination needed for something as simple as picking up a hot cup of coffee without scalding oneself. Again, we do not know whether this increased gray matter translates into better or worse performance, but there likely is little good about treating a woman's brain like a spongy accordion.  

How could we have seen that coming?

....a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection.

-- Humanae Vitae II.17 (emphasis added)

Spotted at Aliens in this world

When the Feminine Geniuses get together, there is always fun, food and lively discussion. Such was the case this morning over coffee at my home. It had been a long time since we had gotten together, almost the entire summer. We were well overdue for a little fellowship. So, I laid out the master plan to have the coffee here and to make a wonderful array of offerings.

We all know what happens to the best laid plans, right? It never happens the way you hope. I had one child come down with a rabid sinus infection that has left her exhausted and feeling weak and cranky -- and, home from school, but thankfully not contagious. So, outside of needing to rearrange life for doctor's appointments and pharmacy visits, I found myself only slightly behind in preparation for the get together.

I was able to get the house tidied, and do the necessary shopping for the treats I had in mind. But, priorities being what they are, I didn't have time last night to do the prep work for the savory chorizo frittata that I hoped to bring to the table today. That will have to wait for the next coffee.

To add an additional challenge to the idea of having friends over for coffee, I decided to start Weight Watchers again this past Monday. So, I tried to make something that wouldn't be too outrageous to my points plan and still taste amazing! The Apple Puff I made came out to be only 4 points per serving! YIPEE!

Here's the recipe:

Apple Puff

1 pkg of puff pastry, thawed

8 granny smith apples, peeled and cut into 1 inch bite sized pieces

1/4 cup flour

1 tbsp smart balance buttery spread, cut up into pieces

1/4 cup of granulated sugar

1/4 cup of packed brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

2 mandarine oranges -- zest and juice only

pinch salt

1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 cup Craisins

1/8 cup pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 400 degrees; in a large bowl, mix apples and next 10 ingredients; while apple mixture rests, roll out one puff pastry onto a greased baking sheet to approx 9 x12 in., place apple filling in a large mound on the center of the puff pastry; on a large, ligthly floured cutting board, roll out second sheet of puff pastry to approx. the same size as the first; place on top of the filling and fold over the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork around the perimeter; cut two to three vent holes in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape; bake at 400 for 10 min., then lower the oven temp to 375 for the remaining 30 min.; remove from oven when golden brown and allow to cool for about 10 min.

Wow, was this a big hit! And, somehow a wonderful apple puff, joined with the baked goodies that the other ladies brought, set the stage for not only a satisfying visit, but lively conversation, as well. Politics, religion, you name it, everything is fair game at an FG coffee. We're downright fearless in thwarting the rule of avoiding taboo topics at a friendly gathering! And, interesting doesn't even begin to describe the conversation that ensued.

I had a wonderful time and just can't wait for the next one!