Different but the Same

About the Book

Have you ever had your preschooler point to someone in the mall and ask loudly, “Why is that man so fat?” or “Why is that little girl in a wheelchair?” or “Why does that little boy look funny?” If you answered yes to any of these, you know how important it is to teach tolerance and acceptance at this very young age. Thus, this book is written for preschoolers to introduce them to a sweet little boy with multiple handicaps, who just happens to like the same things that they do. It is my hope that by having an adult read this book to them, they will learn that people are the same on the inside, in spite of their mental challenges or physical differences. It should be a fun read that parents or teachers can use to stimulate young minds to ask questions and encourage empathy for their peers.

About the Author

As an educator, mother and grandmother to a special needs child, Dr. Andrea Vanzant wanted to explain to young children that their classmate, while different, still enjoyed many of the same things that they did. With a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and thirty years of teaching experience, she has written this book for pre-school children to help them accept him/her and include them in their daily activities. It is also a testament to the power of love in the extended family of a special needs child.