Library Thursdays: Nina Rose and her Dancing Prince

We're always looking for children's books that engender acceptance of people with Down syndrome by showing them participating in the community with everyone else. New to our library is one such book. Nina Rose and her Dancing Prince by Sandra Wise, illustrated by Julie Parsons (Sassey, 2008) is a lovely book about young dancers, one of whom has Down syndrome. Characters from Wise's earlier book, Nina Rose's Toes (on the K,1,2, NSW Premier's Reading Challenge list), encourage Hugh, a boy who loves dancing to go into the school dance competition. The book is endorsed by the DADAA (Disability in the Arts Disadvantaged in the Arts, Australia) of Western Australia who strive to relate the important role that the Arts play in "achieving social change for communities and individuals like Hugh".

The creators of this book have made it available to Down Syndrome NSW to use as a fundraiser. If anyone is interested in buying any copies, they will be available from our office for $19.95 (add $5.05 if you want it posted) with Down Syndrome NSW with 50% going to DSNSW. They'd make great end of year presents for teachers or therapists. You could also donate one to your school library.

The Nina Rose website has pages available for preview. You can also borrow both Nina Rose books from our library. Just ask.