Disability Awareness Children's books

One of my non dream projects was the writing and self-publishing of my disability awareness children's books. There are two books. "The Runaways", in hard cover and soft cover and "Marlina & McGee", in soft cover. My mother, Betty Ashwill, illustrated the books.

As a person with a disability (I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and travel in a power wheelchair) I know well that many well meaning and caring people do not understand that having a disability is merely one of those life things that can happen to anyone. (After all, we are the only minority group where people can suddenly become a member of this group. It doesn't change who we are as a person, but it does change how people view us.

There is a song in the "South Pacific" musical titled, "You Have To Be Taught To Hate." We are all enculturated by all the stereotypes that abound in our society, many of them well-meaning. One of those stereotypes is that the "handicapped" or "crippled" people are to be afraid of, to avoid, to consider "less than a human. We are also taught to feel great pity for them. None of these reactions are pleasant or useful to a person with a disability. It helps them experience being "not normal" (whatever "normal" really is.)

Since learning how to react to people with disabilites starts young, I decided I would try to counter act the prevailing stereotypes and create an environment in my books where being with a disability is merely a challenge to conquer, a tough patch in the road, a little hitch in our git along. I also am trying to help "temporarily able-bodied persons" have a better understanding of a healthier, more caring way to interact with a person with a disability.

The Runaways, by Bjo Ashwill, soft cover and hard cover, 48 pages, illustrated by Betty Ashwill in pen and ink drawings, is forgrades three through six. Bernice is in a wheelchair and is over protected by her family. One day in frustration, she runs away and gets stuck. A runaway monkey helps her out. She learns team work and learns how to be more independent.

Marlina and McGee

Marlina and McGee is in soft cover, 24 pages, pen and ink drawings, for grades pre-school through three. Marlina is a bear cub with a missing paw. McGee won't play with her, because he thinks she's too slow. She saves McGee from the clutches of the mean forest goblin. They become good friends and learn how to play well together.

ORDER THESE BOOKS NOW:

Send your money order to:
Bjo Ashwill
1016 W. 12th Ave
Eugene, Oregon 97402

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