The simple two word sentences arranged in rhyming couplet form make the book immediately rhythmic and engaging for children. This book therefore makes an accessible starting point for class discussions and questions about disability and would make a great tool for any teacher to promote the tolerance and understanding of human individualities. Focussing on Susan’s abilities and her strengths as opposed to her limitations makes this a wonderful book for encouraging the acceptance of diversity.
Susan is an ordinary, relatable character for young readers as the last page reiterates, Susan is ‘just like me, just like you.’ This last line is accompanied by a picture of Susan in a wheelchair, illustrating the positive message that Susan’s disability does not make her different from any other child. The story follows Susan, a young girl who participates in activities and feelings that are familiar to all children. Susan Laughs is a book that is simply written and easily read but with a powerful and important message at the end that resonates with children and adults alike. It carries a positive attitude with bright, fun illustrations that the children will enjoy. It is a picture book with very few words and I do feel it could have carried more of a story, however, the book will make children think differently about those in wheelchairs. I feel this is a book that can be used in any key stage as a discussion of ability and disability. This a good book for PSHE and can be used to discuss attitudes to disabled people and our own strengths and weaknesses. It also reinforces to children not to treat anyone differently. The book can be used to encourage and motivate disabled children that they can do the same things as their able bodied classmates.
The book explores what Susan can do, not what she cannot do and the book really emphasises the message that disabled children are just the same as anyone else. At the end of the book, the readers find out that Susan is in a wheelchair, but she can still do the same things as anyone else. Susan is the same as any other child, she laughs, sings, swings on trees, has same emotions and feelings as anyone else, gets into trouble and plays sport.
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