About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child asks questions about blindness or seems curious about why some people experience the world differently. It’s a gentle, positive introduction to disability that avoids pity and focuses on capability. The story follows Mandy Sue, a young blind girl, through a special day on her family’s farm. She uses her keen senses of hearing, smell, touch, and taste to do her chores, care for the animals, and, most joyfully, groom and ride her beloved horse. It beautifully illustrates themes of self-confidence, empathy, and the wonder of sensory exploration, making it a perfect, reassuring read for children ages 4 to 8.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with physical disability (blindness). The approach is secular and matter-of-fact. Mandy Sue's blindness is presented as a neutral characteristic, not a deficit or a tragedy. The narrative is affirming and positive, showing a capable and happy child navigating her world skillfully. The resolution is simply the peaceful end to a joyful day, reinforcing a hopeful and empowered perspective on disability.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a curious 4 to 7-year-old who has questions about how people with disabilities live. It's also wonderful for a highly sensory child who is attuned to smells, sounds, and textures. It serves as an excellent 'mirror' for a child who is blind or has low vision, and as a 'window' for others to build empathy.
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