Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Confidence & Self-esteem, Disabilities, Resilience / adaptability

I Want To Be Like Poppin’ Joe

This book tells the true story of a successful, hard working man with Down Syndrome and Autism, and the positive effect he has on a young boy.

Author: Jo Meserve Mach and Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier
Illustrator: Mary Birdsell
Publisher: Finding My Way Books

This lovely photo story book features real-life people. The small boy in the story (Dylan) is friends with Poppin’ Joe, who runs his own business selling popcorn. Dylan wants to be just like Joe (successful, independent and hard-working) so he copies Joe’s skills in his own way (for example, because Joe mixes the ingredients together to make the popcorn, Dylan practices mixing earth in the garden with his family).

Things we liked:

This is such a positive story for children. It sends out the message that any child, regardless of whether not they have disabilities, can achieve great things with determination and hard work. The book includes a useful 'family guide' at the back which helps parents and carers put the positive messages into practice.