What's Wrong with Timmy?

I am a Lutheran Church librarian in Florida who bought this book for our church library. It stresses that though we may have different traits and characteristics we are all worthy of love, respect and human dignity. It discusses a mentally-challenged little boy and how he can be a good playmate even though he is a little slow. So what? He is still a persdon worthy of dignity and acceptance. This book stresses kindness on a personal level and a live-and-let-live attitude. This is a vital life lesson for our children to learn early on, and is a great conversation starter. This book will help cut down on bullying, marginalization and dehumanization of the mentally and physically challenged among us. After all, who among us does not have some sort of shortcoming? Children need to know that perfection is an impossibility and so they should expect people to do the best job they can but not expect perfection in themselves or others. The illustrations appear to be done in pastels and are very attractive. Great Job, Maria! Keep them coming!

Sydney, our 18 year old daughter with Down syndrome, recently had the opportunity to participate at a book reading, with a 'typical' buddy from our local high school. They did this as a public service and were able to demonstrate first hand, and by reading alternate pages, the very essence of this story. Maria Schriver, with lovely illustrations by Sandra Speidel, has conveyed many truisms about being differently abled, in a very meaningful way. There are no stupid questions and yes, some people do call others "retarded," stupid or dummy. In a sensitive manner, but using factual information at the same time, Mrs. Schriver addresses a real issue, that including a person with special needs might have social implications or reprecussions and that each person must learn to be strong and brave inside. This is a book that should be recommended reading for all students in the 4-8 year old age range ~ and beyond. There is a "bottom line" lesson to be learned from this wonderful book. Read it, I'm sure you'll agree.

This book teaches other kids a lesson.The lesson is that people shouldnt make fun of kids that are different.I almost cryed when I read this book.My mom read it to me it was very good.My friend was spending the night then my mom called us in because she wanted to read this book to me.My mom was in tears when it was over.This book is good for your kids to read they will love this book so much they will want to read it over and over again.

I just read What's Wrong with Timmy? It was a pleasure to read, especially having my own son, Craig, 13 years old, who has Down syndrome. It really hit home with me how other children sometimes view Craig. I am recommending that our school district order copies so teachers can read with their students. It was a very positive story focusing on the strengths of children with special needs and how much alike we all are. Kudos to Ms. Shriver for a touching book that I hope gets widely read and helps to de-stigmatize our children! This is a very hopeful book that should be read by every elementary and middle school student, and discussed in class with their teachers...

This book is an excellent book aimed at helping young children understand that others may be different in one way or another, but each person is special in their own way. "What's Wrong with Timmy" is based on a boy who has special mental needs. As a counsellor, I dislike labeling people in a manner that implies one is "mentally disabled or challenged", etc. for we are all disabled and challenged at doing one thing or another in our lives. I know several individuals who have special physical and/or mental needs; however, those same people are highly gifted in areas that most of us could not begin to master to such a high degree (music, painting, sketching, etc.)In this book, a mother explains to her eight year old daughter, why a boy in the park looks and behaves in a manner that is different from other children. The words are well chosen and the beautiful writing style is filled with kindness, compassion and understanding. The book teaches children a valuable lesson that says it is okay to be different but we are all deserving of love, respect and acceptance. This book is highly recommended reading material and most deserving of a five star rating. If you have not read the author's previous book, "What's Heaven", which is written for children on the subject of death and losing someone close, this is also an excellent book with a beautiful message. Hats off to Maria Shriver for writing such sensitive and valuable books.