Susan laughs, she sings. she rides, she swings.She gets angry, she gets sad, she is good, she is bad...Told in rhyme, this story follows Susan through a series of familiar activities. She swims with her father, works hard in school, plays with her friends -- and even rides a horse. Lively, thoughtfully drawn illustrations reveal a portrait of a busy, happy little girl with whom younger readers will identify. Not until the end of the story is it revealed that Susan uses a wheelchair.Told with insight, and without sentimentality, here is an inspiring look at one spunky little girl whose physical disability is never seen as a handicap.
A simple approach to understanding disability Susan laughs, sings, cries, is happy & sad, waves, paints, grins - just like most children. The end picture you see her sitting in a wheelchair with the words "That is Susan through and through - just like me, just like you." Very simply, but effectively, written. As a Nursery Nurse I have used this book in the nursery, particularly when I have had SEN children in the class. The picture of Susan in her wheelchair always generates surprise. It provides discussion on what can be a difficult subject, helping to teach understanding and care. Highly recommended. One Starry Night: Stop and Smell the Roses Series (Stop and Smell the Roses)
Susan Laughs Review I personally found Susan Laughs to be a wonderful book and an excellent addition to any classroom. The book itself is fun to read with rhyming words and expressive pictures. Children would easily be engaged by the rhythm of the text and the interest created by the illustrations.
The purpose of this book is to show that the character, Susan, is like all children, she is good, she is bad, she is strong, she is weak. I appreciate the perspective of her that is developed of her leading up the last page. Of course, the last page of the book reveals that Susan actually had a wheelchair.
I think this book could be used as an excellent tool to facilitate conversations in a classroom about a child that may be coming to your classroom that uses a wheelchair. The book could also be easily tailored to talk specifically about a particular child by simply changing the name as your read the story.
I would encourage all teachers to include books such as Susan Laughs in their classroom library regardless of whether they have a student in their class that uses a wheelchair or not.
Speedy Service Amazon is so great. I can get the item within a week. (Standard International Shipping From USA to Hong Kong)
Excellent Message The perfect marriage of art and words, Susan Laughs blends pastel crayon illustrations and two-words-a-page text into a delightful read. With such meager text, the book relies on the illustrations. Somehow the pictures seem European, and when one discovers that the author and illustrator are both from England, it confirms the impression. Susan's piquant face and the idyllic landscapes remind me of the Madeline series, with softer colors.
The plotless `story' follows Susan through school days, home days, park visits and pony rides: "Susan trots, Susan rows, Susan paints, Susan throws". Only on the last page do we discover why this is a special needs book - Susan uses a wheelchair. The message is brought home, "That is Susan through and through - just like me, just like you." I was compelled to backtrack through the book looking for pictures of Susan doing all these things. In none of them is she standing unassisted, but the reader doesn't notice any of this until it's brought into focus in the final panel. Does one's opinion of Susan's abilities change after learning this? Not really, and that's why the book succeeds.
Sensational! Susan is so much fun! I wish I had a friend who was so willing to try new and exciting things. Congratulations to the author for recognizing that children with disabilities must be presented as any other children would be: active, energetic, involved and above all else, fun!
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
