Susan Laughs

Written by Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Tony Ross.  Willis was born in the UK, in St Albans, Herts.  She was very close with her grandparents growing up, she wrote her first novel on her grandmother's manual typewriter.  She was married at the London Zoo and lives with her family today.  While Ross is best known for his illustration, he also has written several of his own books, including the Little Princesses series.

 

Genre: Fiction
Themes: Disability
Ages: 6 and Up

Summary: This is another sweet children's picture book which begins with a simple repeating structure of 'Susan rows, Susan throws, ect...” Susan can do anything a typical child can do. This is a surprising story because you do not know that the protagonist is anything but typical until the very last page. You discover that Susan is physically handicapped and needs to use a wheel chair but you only know that from the picture, the story ends with the words that she is just like me and you. This text sparks great discussion for not underestimating the abilities of those with special needs.

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