Considered legally blind until middle school, author Tiffany Alexander knows well what it feels like to be different. She took those experiences from her childhood and shaped them into a series of wonderful books, the first of which is “Dudley’s Solo.”
The first book in the Children’s Band series, “Dudley’s Solo” takes place at a neighborhood church where the children’s band excitedly rehearses for their upcoming choir concert, including Dudley, a hearing-impaired little boy. But being deaf doesn’t prevent him from participating in the concert. Encouraged by his friends and father, Dudley embraces his disability and becomes the star of the show by signing the words to “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” to the entire congregation.
I’ve read this book several times to my daughters. It’s a sweet story with a fantastic lesson that is SO important, especially with the increase in bullying at school these days. The illustrations are fun and engaging. My 4-year old’s first impression was that Dudley looks a lot like President Obama, which led us to talking about how anyone can do anything, even become president, if they put their mind to it.
“Dudley’s Solo” encourages kids to
- have self-confidence and to believe in themselves,
- embrace their differences,
- never give up on something you really want and
- find the positive lesson in every challenge they are handed.
Children’s Band books were created to inspire and educate kids, and that’s just what they do. The next book in the series is called “Ebenezer Opens a Savings Account,” and we’re looking forward to it. For more information, visit www.ChildrensBand.com.
– a Family Review Network review –
