Look, it's me!

“The Prince Who Was Just Himself” tells the story of the birth and early life of a prince with Downs Syndrome, the reactions of his family and community to his disability, and the struggles he faces throughout his childhood. 

One thing I liked about this book was the art style. I thought it was very cute and colourful. The instant love and acceptance of his family despite his differences was an affirming message. I also liked that when the challenge arose, they let Noah come to help solve it, and nobody tried to stop him because of his disabilities.

It was a good idea to have a book where a person with Downs Syndrome is the hero, but I felt that the book was very ableist and missed the opportunity to focus on positive diversity. 

I really didn’t like the use of stereotyping and trying to imply that all people with disability are compassionate and kind. I objected to the stereotype that people with disability don’t talk much. (“he hardly ever used words or sentences, yet people understood him just as well.”) In my personal experience, these stereotypes are inaccurate and upsetting.

Also triggering was the rejection of Noah when he was born, with the villagers laughing, whispering behind their hands and saying “He is not one of us!” Every baby should be celebrated.

I also heavily disliked many of the ableist comparisons, such as “Soon they notice what a very special person he is, even though he can’t do everything his brothers can.” 

I thought these lines were shockingly insulting to people with a disability. 

I think the book was good-intentioned, trying to educate small children about disability, however I would not recommend it to anyone because I do not think it spreads a very positive message about people with disability.