Can I Play With My Food? by Ali Manning

 

Can I Play with my Food? is an early-reader picture book that explores food and science through the eyes of two sisters. Nema and Lexi let their imaginations run wild as they discover where food comes from and how a simple experiment can shape their dreams.

This story shows children that playing with food can be fun, but it also highlights the importance of acceptance. While others might think a disability like Down’s Syndrome is a hindrance, Nema and Lexi show us that the ingredients of compassion, acceptance, and love make anything possible.

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BIO:

Ali Manning is a food scientist and the owner of Umami Food Consulting. With over ten years in the food industry, she utilizes her passion for food, science, and community to help food entrepreneurs. Ali is also the founder of Food Science 4 Kids, a program that teaches grade-school children STEM-related topics. Aside from her day-to-day businesses, she’s an all-around creative that loves to skate, travel, eat and enjoy life with her husband, Brian Manning. Find out more about Ali at ali-manning.com

Website: https://ali-manning.com
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3HuFMYq

I was compensated for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

I Just Am: A Story of Down Syndrome Awareness and Tolerance

I Just Am: A Story of Down Syndrome Awareness and Tolerance is written by a Bryan Lambke, a young man with Down Syndrome. He uses real photographs from his life, with captions, to illustrate that he actually is quite capable of performing certain activities that are perceived to be "normal". But what is normal? And who is really perfect?

Also included in the book is a short interview with Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Her sister also was born with Down Syndrome. Tom Lambke asks her some very poignant questions about their experience back in the 1950s.

Other resources provide statistics, facts, and guidelines for interacting with those with Down Syndrome, at the back of the book. Numerous others have already endorsed this book.

The language comes straight from Bryan's heart, and the pictures speak volumes. It's nice to see a book written by a person with Down Syndrome who can actually work toward dispelling some of the associated myths and stereotypes. It's the kind of book that needs to be in every library and taught in every classroom, to help children learn to be more tolerant of the world around them.

I was honored to receive a copy of this book to review, and to be able to interview Tom and Bryan (stay tuned for that piece).

Purchase I Just Am