Happy Ever Afters - disability awareness in children's storybooks - based on the book Happy Ever Afters.
DICSEY Examples
The DICSEY code helps to focus attention on common words, plots or images which children read about in the books that reflect our communities, but which can mislead them about disability in the modern world. It can also highlight issues which young children need to have explained, so that they can grow up with more constructive ideas about people who have disabilities and how to cope when they become disabled themselves.
Above all else, encourage children to enjoy the stories and appreciate the pictures just as they first appear. When you talk to them about the story, ask them about some of the points suggested in the notes after each book listed, and help them understand what lies behind the words and pictures. Many of these books have other important messages too.
Remember that even very young children are influenced by unhelpful views on TV etc, and a gentle 'What do you think about....' can do much to reduce the impact of negative images and help the child be more critical of what they read and see as they grow older. Keep your discussion in line with the child's age and understanding.
The titles suggested here are selected from the best in modern children's books. They are loosely grouped according to reading age and more than one category may be suitable for an individual child. Click on the titles to link to each example.
Early reader picture books :
Mouse and Elephant by An Vrombaut
Easy reader picture books:
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
Easy reader for juniors:
Toad Rage by Morris Gleitzman
Picture books for older readers:
The Snow Dragon by Vivian French, illustrated by Chris Fisher
Voices In The Park by Anthony Browne
Books for fluent readers:
King of the Cloud Forests by Michael Morpurgo
Books for fluent mature readers can be used in the same way, but their plots demand more challenging choices between competing issues. Examples are given in the Happy Ever Afters book.
© K. Saunders 2000/2001