My Friend Isabelle

by Eliza Woloson, Bryan Gough (Illustrator)

(2004 iParenting Media Award Winner) Isabelle and Charlie are friends. They both like to draw, dance, read, and play at the park. They both like to eat Cheerios. They both cry if their feelings are hurt. And, like most friends, they are also different from each other. Isabelle has Down syndrome. Charlie doesn't. Written by Isabelle's mother, this charming tale encourages readers to think about what makes a friendship special. MY FRIEND ISABELLE also opens the door for young children to talk about differences and the world around them. It's a wonderful story to read at bedtime or to share at school. Lively full color illustrations dovetail beautifully with the text to bring the simple story to life.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Disability, Kids

28 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Chance Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book about friendship. The text leaves it up to the reader to infer from the illustrations what is "different" about Isabelle, but the blurb at the back explains she has Down syndrome. This edition of the book is very small, 8.5 x 6 inches.

[Ame · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very interested in how children's books address Down Syndrome and other aspects of "otherness". What does this book have going for it? A lack of religious explanation as seen in Shriver's "What's wrong with Timmy?" Simple language - "I'm tall. She's short." Pictures of Isabelle that aren't offensive (some depictions of people with Down Syndrome are just plain awful). The book is bright and positive and the message is a basic, "Look we have plenty in common, but what makes us different is what makes our friendship shine."

The main negative here is that Isabelle's Down Syndrome is NEVER, EVER mentioned. There's a note in the very back of the book showing the real life Isabelle, but it's never brought up in the story. Children aren't dumb. At least in "What's wrong with Timmy?" the characters explain that Timmy has Down Syndrome and that can make tasks more difficult. "My Friend Isabelle" had almost everything else going for it, except for that glaring omission. I'm just now bringing the DS diagnosis up with my own kids because it's part of my son's identity, and it's weird to avoid addressing it, so I'm hoping more books in the future can just give an honest "Look, he's got Down Syndrome. Sometimes it will take him longer to do something, or he'll approach a task in a different way, but otherwise, he's not so different from the rest of us."

Update 3-2-17: My (presumably neurotypical) daughter is infatuated with this book. We've reread it multiple times, including this morning before I had to leave for work. This is interesting to me. Does she see the brother/sisterish dynamic and recognize herself and her brother in the narrative? Hmm...

[Paige Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Friend Isabelle is a story about two friends Charlie and Isabelle who are very much alike. They like do play the same things, they feel the same type of emotions when good and bad things happen to them. However Isabelle is a little different than Charlie, because she has down syndrome. While the book itself is rather simple in text and illustrations, the story and message behind it are absolutely important for children to understand.

This book would be considered realistic fiction. The developmental appropriateness of the text itself may be a bit simple or plain for elementary aged children. However, I belief there is a lot of discussion that can illicit from this book. In addition, this book would most definitely be developmentally appropriate for first graders beginning to read on their own. This book was written was written by an insider, because Eliza Woloson is Isabelle's mother. While Eliza Woloson does not have down syndrome herself, Isabelle her daughter does, which is why I would consider her to be an insider into the world a person who does have a disability.

[Skyler Tieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching and insightful children's book that explores the theme of friendship and diversity through the eyes of young children. The story is narrated by Charlie a young boy, who shares his experiences and adventures with his friend Isabelle, who has Down syndrome. Woloson's writing is simple yet profound, making it accessible for young readers while delivering a powerful message about acceptance and understanding. The narrative highlights the similarities and differences between Charlie and Isabelle, showing that despite their differences, their friendship is built on mutual respect and affection. This approach helps children understand that everyone is unique and that these differences should be celebrated rather than feared. The characters are depicted warmth and charm, making it easy for children to connect with them. The visuals complement the text beautifully, reinforcing the book's message in a way that is engaging and relatable for young readers.

[Parker Baumgardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for little kids, even though the book is a bit vague about Down Syndrome, it makes it more about celebrating our differences. This also applies with the person first philosophy when talking about someone with differences, Charlie sees Isabelle as a person who has interests and a personality, he doesn't really see her as less then, she just may need a bit more help and time to do what he can do. I also think this book could be used as inspiration for a parent or caregiver wanting to talk to their child about a friend, names and examples could be changed to talk about cerebral palsy or autism, etc. I loved the picture of real life Izzy, and that her mom was the one who wrote it. I'm guessing she is probably an adult now, I hope she is doing okay. It's clear she has an awesome mom. One of my favorite children's books.

[Linda DiGaetano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a special story of a little boy named Charlie and a little girl named Isabelle. They are friends and do lots of things together, but Isabelle is different as she can't do all the same things that Charlie does in the same way. She is special because she has Down's Syndrome. She doesn't speak as well as Charlie and can't do all the same activities such as running fast like Charlie. Charlie asked his mother why Isabelle was different and she told him that difference is what makes the world great. Again children with disabilities such as Down's Syndrome have feelings just like those who don't have this syndrome. So the message in this book is to have understanding and compassion for those individuals who are different and try and treat them fairly. Great teaching book.

[Jessica Blonder · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Friend Isabelle
By Eliza Woloson
No awards
Grades prek - 3
Summary: Charlie and Isabelle are very similar. They like to do many of the same things. Although Isabelle is smaller, slower, and sometimes harder to understand they still love playing with each other. Isabelle is revealed to have down syndrome
Review: THis is the most adorable book i've ever read. There is nothing i dislike about this book. It does a very good job of explaining what down syndrome means on the surface.
Activities in the classroom.
List differences that people could have
Down Syndrome KWL chart
Do Rock your socks! Basically it's crazy sock day that takes place on down syndrome awareness day every year. Shows thats its ok to be different and unique

[Meghan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I enjoyed the simplicity of the text and full-color illustrations so much! This is a fantastic book to introduce to children who may have peers who have developmental disabilities, etc. Isabelle in this story has down syndrome, and Charlie is very accepting of that. Charlie understands that some things take Isabelle a bit more time and he loves to help her and play with her. Charlie and Isabelle are best friends! It is very important for children to know at a young age to accept anyone no matter what they look like, how they learn, or how they act. Everyone is different and unique in their own ways and it is important to know that that is okay! I love this book and I cannot wait to use it in my future.

[Abigail Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple book that teaches it's perfectly normal for people to be different and friends. Isabelle and Charlie are friends that sometimes do things differently. The book goes through the differences between the two friends, such as physical differences but also skill wise. This book is definitely for younger children, possibly preschool and kindergarten.
The only critique that I have of this book is that Down Syndrome is said. I think it would have been a good thing for the author to simply say it within the story because it helps children understand and connect the ideas to what is being shown or depicted in the story.

[Keely DeRiggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and will consider reading it to my own class. It simply just went through and compared Charlie, who seems to be a normal child, and Isabelle, who is a child with Down Syndrome. Charlie points out the differences about when him and Isabelle speak, stand, or walk. The book also talks about the importance of having different people in your world, and that the differences in the world make all of us special! This book promotes individuality and differences, but also the importance of having a friendship. I really enjoyed this book and I think it will encourage children to play with some other children that may not look exactly like them!

[Michlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about a friendship between Charlie and Isabelle. They both like to draw, dance and play at the park. They are unique individuals with common likes and behaviors. There are also differences such as the fact that Isabelle has down syndrome. This would be a wonderful book to read and discuss with young children about accepting others. It would also be a tool to talk directly about the issue of downs syndrome with students.

This book is mainly for young children and the words "down syndrome" only come up at the end of the story with the author's story about her daughter.

[Samantha Hanhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The print wasn't just left to right in straight lines, it was dynamic and placed playfully but also with meaning. It also contained opposites that you can ask the reader to demonstrate to you. It took some of the defining characteristics of Down syndrome but made them seem simple and normal. This book preached the value of differences among us and how they make the world a better place, and yet we share more things in common with people who are different from us than we may think. The book showed that we can learn from those with disabilities things we may not be able to learn on our own.

[Pippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

With simple text and pictures, this short book shows what inclusion looks like from a child'e perspective. The story is told from the point of view of Charlie, who describes how he and his friend Isabelle are very alike, even though Isabelle has Down Syndrome. I find the cover and illustrations visually appealing, and the story or their friendship charming and relatable. This small book has the look and feel of a timeless classic.

[Relyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I would have given this book a much higher rating had I read it when it was published. In 2003 we might still have needed books featuring kids with disabilities. In my seventeen years of experience as a public school teacher, this book is not necessary. We have kids of all ages and abilities playing together every single day. This book just came across as a well-meaning message book with no plot; not only boring but also not necessary.

[Selina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlie is best friends with Isabelle, a girl with Down syndrome. Charlie is the narrator in the story and tells about the different things they like to do together. He also talks about how him and Isabelle are different. I like this story because it encourages readers to really think about what makes friendship special and how people should be accepting of others' differences.

[Jill Leininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great at explaining we are all different but it doesn’t matter we can all still be friends. Charlie and Isabelle like to play together but sometimes Charlie has a hard time understanding Isabelle because she has Down syndrome. Charlie enjoys playing with her but sometimes they both cry because they don’t share.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This warm-hearted picture book tells, in few words, a story about friendship, differences, acceptance, and how our differences can make us and the world better.
Charlie likes to play with his friend Isabelle, who is smaller than he is although they are the same age. She has Down Syndrome, and Charlie doesn't, but they are good friends.
Wonderful illustrations.

[Marissa Kiddey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good introduction to down syndrome for younger students. Its shows them that individuals may be a little different but they can also be the same and have substantial friendships with them. I loved that it was based on a true story and the characters based on real children.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boy and little girl are good friends. They're a little different, and they have their fights, but are still good friends.

About loving, and even being friends, with those who are different from you. Be it from a different culture, born with Down Syndrome, or anything else.

Quite good.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple book about two friends. Isabelle and Charlie aren't quite the same. Isabelle is shorter, and often doesn't enunciate as clearly, and would rather take her time instead of running. But despite having Down syndrome, she is a very good friend.

[Amanda Walz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about friendship and about people being different.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about two kids, very different from each other, but having fun. One child has a disability, but it does not affect the friendship. Based on a child with Down syndrome.

[Nicoswan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet book. It gives good representation of what its like navigating friendships with people with Down Syndrome.

[Sandra Guerguy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darling book about friendship and differences. Charlie and Isabelle are friends; the same but different as Isabelle is a child with Down Syndrome.

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet Down Syndrome awareness/love book

[Laura]

This book is realistic fiction and is useful for beginning readers. This book can be used in the classroom to discuss the similarities and differences in the reading and continuing to apply these to the students' own world. Copyright 2003.

[Viji Balakrishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book! The genre is Fiction. It was interesting because it can connect with young children who play with their neighbors and make friends with those that are their same age. The story sparks curiosity and makes the audience wonder "what makes Isabelle different?" Not once in the story do they mention that she has down syndrome, except at the end of the book where there is an author's note. The author is the mother or the main character. The plot exemplifies the fact that differences are what makes the world so great. The illustration was great because there were only a few words (a sentence or two) on each page, and the rest was filled with illustrations. This can interest children that don't know how to read yet, or children that are beginners at reading. There were only 2 main characters, who were both Caucasian. However, the background images were consumed of a diverse population. Nothing negative was said and only positive things about the disability were mentioned. It said Isabelle taught her friend some things and that shows that she is just another child contributing the greatness of the world!

[Laura Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Plot:
The story of Charlie and his friend Isabelle. The book beautifully describes how Charlie and Isabelle are different (tall/short, he runs fast/ she takes her time/ he know lots of words and Isabelle’s words are sometimes hard to understand) and how the like the same things and are similar. The book does not explicitly tell the main difference the two children have - with Isabelle having Downs Syndrome, but the images slightly portray the differences only at the end. Lovely theme and reiterated idea of differences are what makes the world so great.

Age range: EYFS/KS1 +

Positives/ Likes about this book:
I like that the book does not explicitly state what the difference is with Isabelle as the book keeps you intrigued to keep reading on more of their similarities and differences. Also I think its emphasizing the fact that actually the difference is not what is significant really – the children are still friends and still enjoying time together and learning with eachother – through the part where Charlie states Isabelle teaches him how to twirl. Highlighting the point that we all have unique talents and can all learn from eachother and no one is superior. This is a lot like a childs point of view, they would not be concerned with what it is that makes them different, they would simply innocently (as Charlie does) acknowledge these differences, but equally as the book portrays too – acknowledge their similarities too. On closer look at some of the pictures in this book also you can notice people in wheelchairs etc too which I like, as again it is highlighting further differences.

How would this book be used in a classroom setting?
This book could be used to promote discussion of differences, teaching tolerance, empathy etc and the importance of friendships and why they are special. Carpet time or PSHE lessons.

[Edward Ventura]

The story is about building relationships with all your classmates. In the book, My Friend Isabelle written by Eliza Woloson and illustrations by Bryan Gough, a boy tells about his friend and her determination to try her best. Can any of you tell me what the cover of the story is telling us? (Children responses) They live in a big house. There is a park to play at. It seems like a beautiful day for bike riding. As I read the story, look at the illustrations and see how the two friends do things. Look closely to see the difference but how similar the tasks get completed. Listen how the author explains in a subtle way how they play, eat and fight are the closest of friends. Remember we are all special in our own way.

• Lay the groundwork for children’s understanding of diverse settings and people
• Prompt predictions based on the title.
• Prompt the listeners to notice details.

This culturally relevant book was selected to emphasize how everyone needs a friend. I hope this book awakens the value of not judging a person from the outside. Primary children will enjoy since they don’t see color or handicap but the significance of just being a friend. This book is appropriate for this book set since so it shows what makes a friendship.