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We'll Paint the Octopus Red
As six-year-old Emma anticipates the birth of her new baby brother or sister, she imagines all of the things they can do together. They'll go to Grandpa's farm to feed the calves, ride in the back of the mini-van making faces at the cars that go by, fly on airplanes, and someday, they'll even go to Africa on a safari.
25 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1998
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August 21, 2024
In the 1998 picture book We'll Paint the Octopus Red (which also seems to have a sequel that I have not read) young Emma is none too thrilled that she will soon be getting a little brother/sister, as she has been an only child for almost six years and definitely likes and also prefers it that way. But when her father describes how much fun being a big sister should be, Emma slowly warms to the idea and thinks of all kinds of fun activities she might share with her new brother or sister. However, when baby brother Isaac is born with Down Syndrome, Emma is worried that he will never be able to do any of the things she had planned to do with him, but with her father explaining that while Isaac might learn certain tasks more slowly than other children, with patience, kindness and encouragement, Emma will, Emma should still be able to do all of the things she had planned to do with her little brother, and her doubts change into optimism and also into once again being excited and happy regarding Issac.
Now I really do much appreciate the generally positive and optimistic outlook that is presented and displayed by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen's words for We'll Paint the Octopus Red. For yes, instead of textually concentrating primarily on Isaac's limitations and potential health issues, Stuve-Bodeen's text focuses on the fact that many children with Down Syndrome can, indeed, do anything and be anything. But that being said, I still have to wonder whether the message promoted in We'll Paint the Octopus Red of there being seemingly no insurmountable barriers regarding Down Syndrome might perhaps be overly optimistic. Because while I am not a Down Syndrome expert, I do know that there are many variations and albeit some individuals face only limited developmental and/or health problems, others face more serious, much more difficult and painful challenges. Therefore and akin to my GR friend Kathryn, I just do not think that it is entirely realistic or even all that fair for We'll Paint the Octopus Red to attempt to present that there are no (or hardly any) challenges and potential obstacles associated with Down Syndrome. Yes, I am of course happy that We'll Paint the Octopus Red celebrates ability and potential instead of focusing on disability and limitations, but the possibility for serious barriers does occur with Down syndrome and should at least be mentioned within Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen's narrative for We'll Paint the Octopus Red. Because in my opinion and in a worst case scenario, this rather obvious omission in We'll Paint the Octopus Red might actually make it difficult for a child to accept and understand the barriers and difficulties encountered and experienced by siblings, relatives, friends, schoolmates etc. who have Down Syndrome. However and yes, the back-and-forth dialogue between father and daughter in We'll Paint the Octopus Red, how both of them ask and answer, how both of them comfort and support one another is really hugely enjoyable and positive, as Emma is not kept in the dark regarding her brother's Down Syndrome (and that she is textually being shown as comforting and reassuring her father as much as he comforts and reassures her). Emma's father in We'll Paint the Octopus Red approaches his daughter as a person with feelings and questions, questions that require answers and are indeed also being answered (Emma is thus and happily not seen or approached as a mere child "too young to understand" in Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen's text and there is also and fortunately not ever any secrecy surrounding Isaac's Down Syndrome either).
Finally, just to say that I am also quite pleasantly surprised by how much I am enjoying Pam DeVito's accompanying illustrations for We'll Paint the Octopus Red. They provide a fitting visual compliment to Stuve-Bodeen's text, and I very much do appreciate how the illustrations clearly show a distinct family resemblance (red hair, blue eyes, even the facial expressions of Emma and her father are similar). And I also think that DeVito has managed to successfully depict a baby/toddler with Down Syndrome, without having Isaac's features in We'll Paint the Octopus Red appear as either too exaggerated or too muted (you can tell that his face, especially his eyes are a bit different from the rest of the family, but there is nevertheless still a strong family resemblance). And I think that We'll Paint the Octopus Red would be a great book for families who have or who might be expecting a baby with Down Syndrome (it could and likely would be a wonderful source of information for siblings and provide both comfort and reassuring answers), with the question/answer section at the back being an added bonus, and also making We'll Paint the Octopus Red an informative tool for classroom use (perhaps in conjunction with a unit on special needs, physical challenges etc.). And I could also imagine using We'll Paint the Octopus Red in a kindergarten or preschool classroom where one or more students have Down Syndrome, as this might provide information, answer questions and make both the students with Down Syndrome and their classmates feel more at ease with each other.
Now I really do much appreciate the generally positive and optimistic outlook that is presented and displayed by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen's words for We'll Paint the Octopus Red. For yes, instead of textually concentrating primarily on Isaac's limitations and potential health issues, Stuve-Bodeen's text focuses on the fact that many children with Down Syndrome can, indeed, do anything and be anything. But that being said, I still have to wonder whether the message promoted in We'll Paint the Octopus Red of there being seemingly no insurmountable barriers regarding Down Syndrome might perhaps be overly optimistic. Because while I am not a Down Syndrome expert, I do know that there are many variations and albeit some individuals face only limited developmental and/or health problems, others face more serious, much more difficult and painful challenges. Therefore and akin to my GR friend Kathryn, I just do not think that it is entirely realistic or even all that fair for We'll Paint the Octopus Red to attempt to present that there are no (or hardly any) challenges and potential obstacles associated with Down Syndrome. Yes, I am of course happy that We'll Paint the Octopus Red celebrates ability and potential instead of focusing on disability and limitations, but the possibility for serious barriers does occur with Down syndrome and should at least be mentioned within Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen's narrative for We'll Paint the Octopus Red. Because in my opinion and in a worst case scenario, this rather obvious omission in We'll Paint the Octopus Red might actually make it difficult for a child to accept and understand the barriers and difficulties encountered and experienced by siblings, relatives, friends, schoolmates etc. who have Down Syndrome. However and yes, the back-and-forth dialogue between father and daughter in We'll Paint the Octopus Red, how both of them ask and answer, how both of them comfort and support one another is really hugely enjoyable and positive, as Emma is not kept in the dark regarding her brother's Down Syndrome (and that she is textually being shown as comforting and reassuring her father as much as he comforts and reassures her). Emma's father in We'll Paint the Octopus Red approaches his daughter as a person with feelings and questions, questions that require answers and are indeed also being answered (Emma is thus and happily not seen or approached as a mere child "too young to understand" in Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen's text and there is also and fortunately not ever any secrecy surrounding Isaac's Down Syndrome either).
Finally, just to say that I am also quite pleasantly surprised by how much I am enjoying Pam DeVito's accompanying illustrations for We'll Paint the Octopus Red. They provide a fitting visual compliment to Stuve-Bodeen's text, and I very much do appreciate how the illustrations clearly show a distinct family resemblance (red hair, blue eyes, even the facial expressions of Emma and her father are similar). And I also think that DeVito has managed to successfully depict a baby/toddler with Down Syndrome, without having Isaac's features in We'll Paint the Octopus Red appear as either too exaggerated or too muted (you can tell that his face, especially his eyes are a bit different from the rest of the family, but there is nevertheless still a strong family resemblance). And I think that We'll Paint the Octopus Red would be a great book for families who have or who might be expecting a baby with Down Syndrome (it could and likely would be a wonderful source of information for siblings and provide both comfort and reassuring answers), with the question/answer section at the back being an added bonus, and also making We'll Paint the Octopus Red an informative tool for classroom use (perhaps in conjunction with a unit on special needs, physical challenges etc.). And I could also imagine using We'll Paint the Octopus Red in a kindergarten or preschool classroom where one or more students have Down Syndrome, as this might provide information, answer questions and make both the students with Down Syndrome and their classmates feel more at ease with each other.
April 15, 2019
Great book for children who have a sibling with special needs.
March 17, 2020
Having been reconciled to the imminent arrival of a new baby sibling by some long chats with her father - chats in which it is established that she and her little brother or sister will be able to do many wonderful things together - six-year-old Emma is distressed to learn that newborn Isaac has something called Down Syndrome. What does this mean? Won't she and Isaac be able to do all those things together, as her father promised? Of course they will, Dad reassures her: with a little help, and some extra patience, there's nothing that Isaac won't be able to do...
One of our June selections for the Picture-Book Club to which I belong, We'll Paint the Octopus Red is an engaging picture-book introduction to the subject of Down Syndrome, one that offers young readers and listeners some gentle reassurance. I liked the positive message here, and enjoyed the back-and-forth between Emma and her Dad - his gentle reminders about good behavior, in the face of his daughter's exuberance, reminded me a bit of my own father - but I think I agree with some of my fellow reviewers, in being a little troubled by the implication that a child with Down Syndrome can "do anything." Obviously, this is not exactly true. On the other hand, it does work well within the confines of the story - Isaac can do all the things mentioned here - so take that as you will.
All in all, a sweet little family story, one I would recommend to any young child with a friend or sibling who has Down Syndrome, or who is curious about this condition.
One of our June selections for the Picture-Book Club to which I belong, We'll Paint the Octopus Red is an engaging picture-book introduction to the subject of Down Syndrome, one that offers young readers and listeners some gentle reassurance. I liked the positive message here, and enjoyed the back-and-forth between Emma and her Dad - his gentle reminders about good behavior, in the face of his daughter's exuberance, reminded me a bit of my own father - but I think I agree with some of my fellow reviewers, in being a little troubled by the implication that a child with Down Syndrome can "do anything." Obviously, this is not exactly true. On the other hand, it does work well within the confines of the story - Isaac can do all the things mentioned here - so take that as you will.
All in all, a sweet little family story, one I would recommend to any young child with a friend or sibling who has Down Syndrome, or who is curious about this condition.
June 2, 2011
3.5 STARS
This is the story of a little girl who is nervous about having a new baby brother or sister. But, when she starts to imagine all the things they can do together, she becomes excited about the arrival. When her father comes home from the hospital and explains that the baby has Down syndrome, the girl begins to worry that all her plans of things to do with the baby will never come to pass. But, her father explains that, with a little help and patience, they will still be able to do everything with the baby.
I think this would maybe be a book that is more suitable for a family in which the new sister/brother with Down syndrome has already arrived vs. one to explain to others what it is actually like. I did think the Q/A session in the back was handled well, with good sensitivity and a general overview though certainly not exhaustive.
I have mixed feeling about the book itself. I wasn't a huge fan of the illustrations and found the first half of the book a little tedious at times with the girl asking things and the father answering back. I guess I was expecting more of a storytelling quality. But, I was very touched by the second half where the father comes home with the news about the new baby and the girl, so newly warmed to the idea of having a little sister/brother, starts to fear that everything she believed about having one was changed. I thought it was wonderful how the father explained that they would still be able to do all those things with the new brother, even if it took a little longer or required a little more patience. Still, I'm not sure I felt comfortable with the final aspect that proclaims that the brother will be able to do everything. While I realize this is a children's book and I certainly want to celebrate all the things that people with Down syndrome can accomplish in their lives, I am not sure it is realistic or fair to make children believe that there are no limitations. Of course, I know this is just a picture book and meant to be a jumping off place for more discussion, and perhaps the limitations need no be addressed until later years, but at some point the sister will have to realize that her brother does have limitations due to his condition. I guess I would have felt more comfortable with a message about the fact that even if he can't do everything just the same as she can, he isn't "less than." I think the story could have still been just as powerful and inspiring without making such a broad statement at the end that "there probably wasn't anything he couldn't do."
I should note, though, that I do not have any experience with children with Down syndrome so please temper my review with that in mind. I do have a cousin-in-law with Down syndrome but he is in his 30s. He has such a warm, loving spirit and is a blessing to his family but he does face "limitations"; I'm not sure that these actually bother him, though, or if we are the only ones who notice them given that we see things he misses out on that we are fortunate enough to be able to do; though I wish I had more of his open-heartedness!
This is the story of a little girl who is nervous about having a new baby brother or sister. But, when she starts to imagine all the things they can do together, she becomes excited about the arrival. When her father comes home from the hospital and explains that the baby has Down syndrome, the girl begins to worry that all her plans of things to do with the baby will never come to pass. But, her father explains that, with a little help and patience, they will still be able to do everything with the baby.
I think this would maybe be a book that is more suitable for a family in which the new sister/brother with Down syndrome has already arrived vs. one to explain to others what it is actually like. I did think the Q/A session in the back was handled well, with good sensitivity and a general overview though certainly not exhaustive.
I have mixed feeling about the book itself. I wasn't a huge fan of the illustrations and found the first half of the book a little tedious at times with the girl asking things and the father answering back. I guess I was expecting more of a storytelling quality. But, I was very touched by the second half where the father comes home with the news about the new baby and the girl, so newly warmed to the idea of having a little sister/brother, starts to fear that everything she believed about having one was changed. I thought it was wonderful how the father explained that they would still be able to do all those things with the new brother, even if it took a little longer or required a little more patience. Still, I'm not sure I felt comfortable with the final aspect that proclaims that the brother will be able to do everything. While I realize this is a children's book and I certainly want to celebrate all the things that people with Down syndrome can accomplish in their lives, I am not sure it is realistic or fair to make children believe that there are no limitations. Of course, I know this is just a picture book and meant to be a jumping off place for more discussion, and perhaps the limitations need no be addressed until later years, but at some point the sister will have to realize that her brother does have limitations due to his condition. I guess I would have felt more comfortable with a message about the fact that even if he can't do everything just the same as she can, he isn't "less than." I think the story could have still been just as powerful and inspiring without making such a broad statement at the end that "there probably wasn't anything he couldn't do."
I should note, though, that I do not have any experience with children with Down syndrome so please temper my review with that in mind. I do have a cousin-in-law with Down syndrome but he is in his 30s. He has such a warm, loving spirit and is a blessing to his family but he does face "limitations"; I'm not sure that these actually bother him, though, or if we are the only ones who notice them given that we see things he misses out on that we are fortunate enough to be able to do; though I wish I had more of his open-heartedness!
June 10, 2011
First, I need to say that I knew a bit about this book from reading friends’ reviews and comments on reviews and in the Children's Books group; this book is one of the selections at its Picture Books Club for June’s theme of people who have physical disabilities.
I thought the book would really annoy me because 1. it looked as though it was a book simply about a new sibling, until well into the book when it’s revealed the new baby has Down Syndrome, and therefore might not be the best new baby book for every soon to be older sibling, and 2. I was disturbed that the older sister of a newborn with Down’s Syndrome was told he would be able to do everything she could do, that everything she had envisioned doing with him would be possible.
Well, I’m having a really hard time rating this book.
It is told on the back cover that the new baby has Down Syndrome, so some notice is given before starting the book, if that back cover is noticed. Also, there are some questions & answers in the back of the book, though some of the answers disturbed me because I don’t think they were entirely honest, most were but not all, all for some affected children, I’m sure, but definitely not all affected kids.
I ended up liking the book. The back and forth between daughter and father is very sweet, just lovely. The illustrations are also wonderful.
I liked it. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to a child such as the girl in this book. It’s not fair to say the baby might not have significant lifelong developmental delays and physical health problems that are associated with this condition. I’ve personally met and worked with people who have Down Syndrome, and there is a huge range of abilities and disabilities that I’ve seen. I’ve also known children to die quite young, of leukemia and heart problems, problems also more common than in children without Down Syndrome. I think the messages given to the girl are good, but I think she deserved at least just a smidgen of some more sobering outcomes, perhaps not stressing those, but not eliminating them from the explanation of the condition her new brother has.
Interestingly, in the questions and answers section at the end, parents in families contributed questions that have been asked by their children, but it seems as though the author gave the answers.
While I enjoyed this, I have no clue to whom I’d recommend it. I guess to anyone but not if it was the only book about the subject and not without honest discussion.
I thought the book would really annoy me because 1. it looked as though it was a book simply about a new sibling, until well into the book when it’s revealed the new baby has Down Syndrome, and therefore might not be the best new baby book for every soon to be older sibling, and 2. I was disturbed that the older sister of a newborn with Down’s Syndrome was told he would be able to do everything she could do, that everything she had envisioned doing with him would be possible.
Well, I’m having a really hard time rating this book.
It is told on the back cover that the new baby has Down Syndrome, so some notice is given before starting the book, if that back cover is noticed. Also, there are some questions & answers in the back of the book, though some of the answers disturbed me because I don’t think they were entirely honest, most were but not all, all for some affected children, I’m sure, but definitely not all affected kids.
I ended up liking the book. The back and forth between daughter and father is very sweet, just lovely. The illustrations are also wonderful.
I liked it. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to a child such as the girl in this book. It’s not fair to say the baby might not have significant lifelong developmental delays and physical health problems that are associated with this condition. I’ve personally met and worked with people who have Down Syndrome, and there is a huge range of abilities and disabilities that I’ve seen. I’ve also known children to die quite young, of leukemia and heart problems, problems also more common than in children without Down Syndrome. I think the messages given to the girl are good, but I think she deserved at least just a smidgen of some more sobering outcomes, perhaps not stressing those, but not eliminating them from the explanation of the condition her new brother has.
Interestingly, in the questions and answers section at the end, parents in families contributed questions that have been asked by their children, but it seems as though the author gave the answers.
While I enjoyed this, I have no clue to whom I’d recommend it. I guess to anyone but not if it was the only book about the subject and not without honest discussion.
May 31, 2011
This is a terrific story that helps parents talk to their children about Down Syndrome. The story shows quite plainly that children with Down Syndrome can do so many things that others can do and that we should love them and accept them for who they are. The additional information in the back helps explain what the Syndrome is, how it is caused, and answers frequently asked questions about it. I love that the sweet perspective of the big sister helps her father and together they make plans for their future activities as a family. We really enjoyed this book and we had a great discussion afterward about Down Syndrome.
I discovered this book because it is a selection for June 2011 for the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads. I am looking forward to reading the other selections as well.
I discovered this book because it is a selection for June 2011 for the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads. I am looking forward to reading the other selections as well.
January 14, 2011
This is an excellent book about welcoming a new baby with Down Syndrome into the family. Emma is excited to learn she has a new brother and tells her dad all the things she wants to do with the baby. The next day her Dad is very upset and when she asks why he tells her that baby Isaac has Down Syndrome. She questions whether he will still be able to play kickball or paint or feed the animals at the farm and each question answered positively. Her father explains that Isaac will be able to do all of these things, but it may take him longer to learn them than it would if he didn't have Down Syndrome. At the end of the book are questions and answers about Down Syndrome. This is an excellent book for anyone who is bringing a Down Syndrome baby into their family, or for a child who knows another child with Down Syndrome. It encourages understanding and compassion while educating.
November 9, 2017
This is a little more of what I look for in a children's book about Down Syndrome. A little girl knows she's getting a younger sibling, and her father lets her know the new baby has Down Syndrome. So what does she do? She asks lots and lots of questions to the tune of "Will he be able to do this?" and each time her father says, "Well yes, he'll be able to do that." The book indicates the father has been crying, and you can tell that with all the questions his daughter asks, he and his daughter realize that there will be almost nothing his son can't do with a little patience.
The actual Q&A about Down Syndrome is located at the back of the book after the story, which I also like because kids will have follow-up questions. It's also smart because they will be able to savor the story and THEN they can have their own question time with parents. There's nothing in here about how "the baby is special" or "a miracle" or how "God planned it this way" which is a blessing. This line of thinking in books about intellectual disabilities is harmful in multiple ways, and in this instance, you don't tell an older sibling that her younger sibling is a special gift from God. Where does that place her, then? No, this book is much more casual and realistic, and it goes along with "My Friend Isabelle" as one of my go-tos.
The actual Q&A about Down Syndrome is located at the back of the book after the story, which I also like because kids will have follow-up questions. It's also smart because they will be able to savor the story and THEN they can have their own question time with parents. There's nothing in here about how "the baby is special" or "a miracle" or how "God planned it this way" which is a blessing. This line of thinking in books about intellectual disabilities is harmful in multiple ways, and in this instance, you don't tell an older sibling that her younger sibling is a special gift from God. Where does that place her, then? No, this book is much more casual and realistic, and it goes along with "My Friend Isabelle" as one of my go-tos.
April 13, 2019
I read this because it appeared on a list of books that handle disability issues well. I have to disagree with that assessment. This book entirely centers the experience of the non-disabled child (and to some extent, the other non-disabled family members). You don't really even learn anything about Down's Syndrome, only about how it might affect (or not affect) a child who doesn't have it to have a sibling who does, and it barely even does that. It also refers to Africa as if it's like...a pseudo-magical place that exists solely for the purpose of white people on safari. Big yikes.
February 5, 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Awards: Best Seller
Audience: Kindergarten-3rd
This story is about a girl named Emma who is not thrilled about getting a little sibling. Eventually Emma warms to the idea, and her baby brother Isaac is born. Isaac is born with Down Syndrome. Emma becomes worried that Isaac will not be able to do all the things she is able to do. Emma then realizes, with the help of her father, that Isaac may learn slower than her, but he will be able to do all the things she has planned for them to do together.
-The challenge presented in this book is that Emma’s baby brother is born with down syndrome. Emma must learn to understand how her brother will grow and function.
-I would use this book with a child who has a sibling with a disability, specifically down syndrome, to show that their sibling is the same as them. This book can help to express the idea that no matter the illness, all children can live a fulfilling life.
Awards: Best Seller
Audience: Kindergarten-3rd
This story is about a girl named Emma who is not thrilled about getting a little sibling. Eventually Emma warms to the idea, and her baby brother Isaac is born. Isaac is born with Down Syndrome. Emma becomes worried that Isaac will not be able to do all the things she is able to do. Emma then realizes, with the help of her father, that Isaac may learn slower than her, but he will be able to do all the things she has planned for them to do together.
-The challenge presented in this book is that Emma’s baby brother is born with down syndrome. Emma must learn to understand how her brother will grow and function.
-I would use this book with a child who has a sibling with a disability, specifically down syndrome, to show that their sibling is the same as them. This book can help to express the idea that no matter the illness, all children can live a fulfilling life.
October 20, 2021
A touching and sad, but beautiful, children's book. A great read.
August 30, 2019
This book is excellent at helping the kids at school understand that what is Down Syndrome, and the kid has Down Syndrome doesn't mean they can't do things with them. Children who have younger siblings will relate to it more. I can read this book to my students every year to remind them that everyone looks different, but all loved the same. It also has 10 questions and answers paragraphs at the back of the book if you want to explain the children a little more about down syndrome.
March 1, 2011
I think this book is a wonderful text, both in terms of introducing children and families to the basics of Down Syndrome as well as, separate from it's content, an excellent picture book. The pictures are brightly colored, centered on the page, and aid student understanding of the characters and plot progression. In particular, the illustrations do a nice job of subtly representing the differences in facial characteristics of children with Down Syndrome. As the story points out, children with Down's Syndrome resemble their siblings, can do most things other kids can do with a little time and patience, and are a welcome addition to any family after the possible initial shock of diagnosis. It would serve as an ideal read aloud for a pre-school or kindergarten classroom discussing new siblings, ability, Down Syndrome or families. There is a question and answer section at the end of the story with questions which were submitted by parents of children with Down Syndrome, which were asked by their children when they found out they had a sibling with Down Syndrome. This is useful for children, parents and teachers.
Overall, I felt that this was a developmentally appropriate picture book to address one variation on ability, an issue which is often overlooked in mainstream children's publishing.
Overall, I felt that this was a developmentally appropriate picture book to address one variation on ability, an issue which is often overlooked in mainstream children's publishing.
April 20, 2021
I think this would be a good book for families to get their children ready for another sibling. I think it shows how they can look forward to having another sibling and if they do have a disability you will still have a great bond with them.
July 23, 2022
I think every family with a down syndrome diagnosis should read this. The life of a baby diagnosed with down syndrome is so precious. It goes through the roller coaster of emotions and learning that light might not be as different as we thought it might be. My kids loved this book.
May 19, 2022
Love this book about a child whose family is expecting a child with Down Syndrome! An excellent way to help a child understand Down Syndrome.
February 18, 2018
In an octopus's garden, with you.
I'm not really sure what to say. It feels like it's aimed at a very specific audience, namely children who have just had a younger sibling born who has Down syndrome, which is a very small audience. I guess you could give it to a child if you were trying to explain what Down syndrome was. But basically the only thing says is what Down syndrome isn't. It doesn't say what it is.
There's a little girl who's the main character, and she's got a new baby brother, and she talks about all the fun things she can do with her baby brother when he gets older. Then the father finds out that the baby has Down syndrome, and she goes back to the list of things she imagined, trying to figure out which of those things he won't be able to do. "Can he play kickball with me?" "Well, yes, but it might be a little later than other kids." "Can he do X?" "Yes." "Can he do Y?" "Yes." So everything that she wants to do with him, he'll be able to do. One of the things she wants to do with him, oddly, is use a rubber octopus like a stamp to paint with. She's happy that she can do this, and they'll paint it red. And she just goes and sees her little brother, and that's the end. Afterwards, there's questions and answers, things like, "Can you catch Down syndrome?" "Will they always have Down syndrome?" And it talks about chromosomes a little bit, things like that, and other factual stuff. All people with Down syndrome are different, and they have different levels of ability in various things.
I'm not that familiar with the effects of Down syndrome, specifically, so I don't know how accurate this is. It says they're extra flexible, have eyes that slant upwards, small ears, small nose, and grow more slowly than other kids. It basically limits itself to physical differences, except to say that they tend to learn more slowly. It explains that grown-ups are sometimes sad when they hear the baby has Down syndrome because they're worried that they might need to spend extra time at the hospital or have to go back for an operation. I don't think that's the main reason why grown-ups are sad that their baby has Down syndrome.
I think grown-ups are sad when their babies have Down syndrome because of the intellectual disabilities that come with the disease. Their lives are going to be different in a lot of ways. They're going to have a lot of challenges that neurotypical people don't have. While some adults with Down syndrome are able to live on their own, some of them aren't. People are going to make fun of them. They're going to find it hard to understand the world around them, even as adults. And I think that would be a reason for somebody to legitimately be upset, thinking about the difficulties their child is going to encounter. In their day-to-day life, this child is going to have challenges that the parent did not expect, and envisioning your child struggling is not a positive thing. It's just like if your child had cerebral palsy or if your child were missing a leg. Life is going to be more difficult for them. It's reasonable to be upset by that at first. I hope the hypothetical sad parent is able to move on, but I think that's the root of why grown-ups are sad.
And the book just doesn't talk about the reality of that. Things are more difficult. Especially for the parents, and especially at the beginning. Yes, it's true that you'll be able to play with your brother in every way that was mentioned in the book, but there will be things that he will not be able to do, that you will be able to do. Some of those things will be because he has Down syndrome. That is unfair. And it is possibly politically incorrect, but it is true.
Message: People with Down syndrome can do everything that anybody else can do.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
I'm not really sure what to say. It feels like it's aimed at a very specific audience, namely children who have just had a younger sibling born who has Down syndrome, which is a very small audience. I guess you could give it to a child if you were trying to explain what Down syndrome was. But basically the only thing says is what Down syndrome isn't. It doesn't say what it is.
There's a little girl who's the main character, and she's got a new baby brother, and she talks about all the fun things she can do with her baby brother when he gets older. Then the father finds out that the baby has Down syndrome, and she goes back to the list of things she imagined, trying to figure out which of those things he won't be able to do. "Can he play kickball with me?" "Well, yes, but it might be a little later than other kids." "Can he do X?" "Yes." "Can he do Y?" "Yes." So everything that she wants to do with him, he'll be able to do. One of the things she wants to do with him, oddly, is use a rubber octopus like a stamp to paint with. She's happy that she can do this, and they'll paint it red. And she just goes and sees her little brother, and that's the end. Afterwards, there's questions and answers, things like, "Can you catch Down syndrome?" "Will they always have Down syndrome?" And it talks about chromosomes a little bit, things like that, and other factual stuff. All people with Down syndrome are different, and they have different levels of ability in various things.
I'm not that familiar with the effects of Down syndrome, specifically, so I don't know how accurate this is. It says they're extra flexible, have eyes that slant upwards, small ears, small nose, and grow more slowly than other kids. It basically limits itself to physical differences, except to say that they tend to learn more slowly. It explains that grown-ups are sometimes sad when they hear the baby has Down syndrome because they're worried that they might need to spend extra time at the hospital or have to go back for an operation. I don't think that's the main reason why grown-ups are sad that their baby has Down syndrome.
I think grown-ups are sad when their babies have Down syndrome because of the intellectual disabilities that come with the disease. Their lives are going to be different in a lot of ways. They're going to have a lot of challenges that neurotypical people don't have. While some adults with Down syndrome are able to live on their own, some of them aren't. People are going to make fun of them. They're going to find it hard to understand the world around them, even as adults. And I think that would be a reason for somebody to legitimately be upset, thinking about the difficulties their child is going to encounter. In their day-to-day life, this child is going to have challenges that the parent did not expect, and envisioning your child struggling is not a positive thing. It's just like if your child had cerebral palsy or if your child were missing a leg. Life is going to be more difficult for them. It's reasonable to be upset by that at first. I hope the hypothetical sad parent is able to move on, but I think that's the root of why grown-ups are sad.
And the book just doesn't talk about the reality of that. Things are more difficult. Especially for the parents, and especially at the beginning. Yes, it's true that you'll be able to play with your brother in every way that was mentioned in the book, but there will be things that he will not be able to do, that you will be able to do. Some of those things will be because he has Down syndrome. That is unfair. And it is possibly politically incorrect, but it is true.
Message: People with Down syndrome can do everything that anybody else can do.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
October 22, 2017
This realistic fiction story is about a little girl named Emma who just found out her new baby brother has Down syndrome. At first Emma did not even want a baby brother but then she had a talk with her dad about the things she could do with her brother. When the upsetting news came home to Emma that her baby brother had Down syndrome things got a little more complicated. Emma began to ask all the questions again about having a baby brother and her dad soon explained to her that her brother with Down syndrome will be able to do all the things that a little brother can do but it will just take a little more time and help from their family to teach him new things. Every page in the book has water color pictures with vibrant colors and minimal text. The pictures were very inviting and written in a way where a child could understand the positive messages. The back few pages of the book contain questions about Down syndrome written at a childs level. These questions answer the basics about what Down syndrome is and how a baby cannot grow out of Down syndrome. These questions also explain how a person with Down syndrome will act when they are older and why they are special. This book is perfect for teaching a family about Down syndrome. The pictures throughout the story reveal a baby with his family, and not a baby with Down syndrome. This showed young readers that babies born with Down syndrome can do the same things that babies do without Down syndrome. The author, Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen wrote this book as an outsider, however she has background on disabilities from getting her B.S. in Education and teaching early childhood classes at the YMCA. The only criticisms I have about this book is he there are no characters of color even in the background, but because this book will be paired with other books in my text set of diverse characters, it is a great resource. My only other major complaint is that the baby with Down syndrome referred to in the resources at the back of the book is exclusively referred to as "he", but their could be a little girl that is reading this book.
September 25, 2019
This book begins with a young girl preparing herself for a life as an older sister to her soon-to-be brother. It is a tale often portrayed through jealousy of losing their parents attention to the young baby but also of excitement and anticipation of the life of being a sibling. The focal point of this book, however, is that the soon-to-be-sibling has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, a concept unfamiliar to Emma.
She questions her father on whether her brother, Isaac, will be able to do the same things she enjoys and her father assures her that he will be able to, it will just take a little more support, patience and kindness from all family members, but does not mean he will be unable to do anything. This creates a sense of excitement and responsibility for Emma of being the older sister.
The illustrations perfectly portray the sibling bond between Emma and Isaac and also shows an accurate depiction of the slight visual differences that children with DS have.
This book has a very optimistic outlook on Down Syndrome and can encourage anyone who reads it to see past the potential limitations that a family expecting a child with DS will face and to focus on the positivity that it can bring to a family. It can be great for a young child who may be unfamiliar with the condition, and can also be used as an example for other similar learning disabilities, to help children, as well as parents, familiarise themselves with this scenario.
The body of the text is suitable for a young child and does not bombard the reader with too much information, however, there is a Question and Answer section at the back of the book to answer some of the frequently asked questions about Downs, and can be used as a discussion factor to help the readers curiosity.
She questions her father on whether her brother, Isaac, will be able to do the same things she enjoys and her father assures her that he will be able to, it will just take a little more support, patience and kindness from all family members, but does not mean he will be unable to do anything. This creates a sense of excitement and responsibility for Emma of being the older sister.
The illustrations perfectly portray the sibling bond between Emma and Isaac and also shows an accurate depiction of the slight visual differences that children with DS have.
This book has a very optimistic outlook on Down Syndrome and can encourage anyone who reads it to see past the potential limitations that a family expecting a child with DS will face and to focus on the positivity that it can bring to a family. It can be great for a young child who may be unfamiliar with the condition, and can also be used as an example for other similar learning disabilities, to help children, as well as parents, familiarise themselves with this scenario.
The body of the text is suitable for a young child and does not bombard the reader with too much information, however, there is a Question and Answer section at the back of the book to answer some of the frequently asked questions about Downs, and can be used as a discussion factor to help the readers curiosity.
December 4, 2021
We’ll Paint the Octopus Red Is a disability children’s book written by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen and illustrated by Pam Devito. This book tells the story of a girl named Emma who is very excited about the birth of her baby brother. She imagines all the fun stuff they would be able to do like kick the ball, help feed the baby calves, and how to paint a picture of an octopus. Her father came up to her and told Emma that her baby brother was born with down syndrome. He told her that he might not be able to do lots of stuff Emma hoped he could do but she still wanted to paint the octopus red with him. This story discusses a little bit about down syndrome but doesn’t explain what it is. The father and daughter relationship is enjoyable as the father was able to talk to his daughter that her younger sibling might not turn out how she would expect it. I think they could’ve expanded the story more to explore the relationship between Emma and her brother and how Emma learns to respect her brother. The illustrations use lots of red color for the background plus Emma and her family’s hair. I could recommend this book for 1st grade to 3rd-grade students, but I think this is more of a read-at-home book than a read-at-schoolbook. But I hope young readers can experience a book about understanding that their baby sibling might not always turn out what they would expect but they should also learn to respect their disabled sibling and other kids with disabilities. I give the book a 3 for its illustrations and for tackling the topic a bit lightly.
October 11, 2017
Summary:
The book narrates the moment in which a little girl named Emma is told she is having a little brother named Isaac. At first she is not very convinced of the idea and starts thinking about everything she could do with her little brother and is excited for him to arrive. However, when the baby is born they tell Emma he has down syndrome and Emma thought this meant she could not do anything of what she planned. Nevertheless, her dad contradicts her and tells her Isaac will be able to do everything with her but she just had to be patient and teach him how to do the activities.
Major Theme:
Unconditional Love/Acceptance
Personal Response:
I really enjoyed reading the book and how the author accompanied the text with illustrations that demonstrated both Emma and Isaac doing the activities even when Isaac wasn't born yet. Furthermore, it helps the reader be more open minded.
Recommendation:
I would definitely recommend this book since it can work as a mirror for kids who are having a new sibling and are feeling jealous. It also works as either a window or mirror for exploring Down Syndrome. I specially liked how the book never talks about things Isaac will not be able to do as well as how at the end of the book it has a question and answer segment about Down Syndrome informing the reader about the condition.
The book narrates the moment in which a little girl named Emma is told she is having a little brother named Isaac. At first she is not very convinced of the idea and starts thinking about everything she could do with her little brother and is excited for him to arrive. However, when the baby is born they tell Emma he has down syndrome and Emma thought this meant she could not do anything of what she planned. Nevertheless, her dad contradicts her and tells her Isaac will be able to do everything with her but she just had to be patient and teach him how to do the activities.
Major Theme:
Unconditional Love/Acceptance
Personal Response:
I really enjoyed reading the book and how the author accompanied the text with illustrations that demonstrated both Emma and Isaac doing the activities even when Isaac wasn't born yet. Furthermore, it helps the reader be more open minded.
Recommendation:
I would definitely recommend this book since it can work as a mirror for kids who are having a new sibling and are feeling jealous. It also works as either a window or mirror for exploring Down Syndrome. I specially liked how the book never talks about things Isaac will not be able to do as well as how at the end of the book it has a question and answer segment about Down Syndrome informing the reader about the condition.
March 3, 2020
Summary: In this book, Emma, a soon-to-be big sister, has a long conversation with her father on what she can do as a big sister. The book begins when the father sits Emma down to let her know her mother is pregnant and she will be a big sister soon. Emma clearly doesn't know how to take this information because she has been an only child for the past six years. However, she explains millions of things she wants to do with her younger brother and then becomes excited to be a big sister. However, the parents explain to Emma that the baby will have Down Syndrome. This worries Emma, but then quickly she realizes that Emma can do everything with a Down Syndrome brother as she could without it. She learns that she just needs to be patient with him.
Theme: The theme presented in this book is family, love, and inclusiveness.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Response: As someone who is getting their masters in special education I find this book to be very helpful and eye-opening for children who do not understand that people with disabilities are capable of doing what everyone else can.
Recommend: I recommend this book to any parent who is trying to describe to their child what it is like to be Down Syndrome and how the child can cope with having a down syndrome brother or sister.
Theme: The theme presented in this book is family, love, and inclusiveness.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Response: As someone who is getting their masters in special education I find this book to be very helpful and eye-opening for children who do not understand that people with disabilities are capable of doing what everyone else can.
Recommend: I recommend this book to any parent who is trying to describe to their child what it is like to be Down Syndrome and how the child can cope with having a down syndrome brother or sister.
October 1, 2019
Summary:
This book is about a girl, Emma, who had been an only child for almost six years, until her father told her the news about a new baby brother. Emma was not thrilled about about having a baby brother since she has had her parents all to herself for many years. After talking to her dad for a while, she got excited and realized there were many activities she could do with her new baby brother. But soon they realized he was gonna be down syndrome. However, this didn't mean they couldn't do these activities together, this just meant he was gonna develop slower and would need more help in doing things. At the end of the book, the baby was born and Emma was happy with him.
Theme:
Having a disability does not mean you are less capable of doing things.
Personal Response:
I LOVED this book! You didn't imagine it to end like this but it is so cute how the sister accepts the baby no matter what. Also it has very cute drawings and they are very emotional, very descriptive. It also had a very good message.
Recommend:
I recommend this book to any young children who might be going through the same situation or basically any child who is growing up and learning how to treat each other.
This book is about a girl, Emma, who had been an only child for almost six years, until her father told her the news about a new baby brother. Emma was not thrilled about about having a baby brother since she has had her parents all to herself for many years. After talking to her dad for a while, she got excited and realized there were many activities she could do with her new baby brother. But soon they realized he was gonna be down syndrome. However, this didn't mean they couldn't do these activities together, this just meant he was gonna develop slower and would need more help in doing things. At the end of the book, the baby was born and Emma was happy with him.
Theme:
Having a disability does not mean you are less capable of doing things.
Personal Response:
I LOVED this book! You didn't imagine it to end like this but it is so cute how the sister accepts the baby no matter what. Also it has very cute drawings and they are very emotional, very descriptive. It also had a very good message.
Recommend:
I recommend this book to any young children who might be going through the same situation or basically any child who is growing up and learning how to treat each other.
April 29, 2020
"We'll Paint the Octopus Red" tells the story of a 6 year-old-girl named Emma who is excitedly preparing for the birth of her new little brother or sister. When the baby finally comes, Emma finds out that she has a brother who has down syndrome. This story highlights the process of Emma accepting Isaac as being the brother she has always wanted.
I gave this book a 5 star rating because it is a truly eyeopening story of the struggles that not only a sibling goes through when finding out their sibling has an exceptionality, but also the parents. They have to help the older child accept the differences their sibling has, in order for them to be prepared and able to help. It also shows the process of a young child understanding that even through the differences, they are still the sibling they've always wanted.
I gave this book a 5 star rating because it is a truly eyeopening story of the struggles that not only a sibling goes through when finding out their sibling has an exceptionality, but also the parents. They have to help the older child accept the differences their sibling has, in order for them to be prepared and able to help. It also shows the process of a young child understanding that even through the differences, they are still the sibling they've always wanted.
September 23, 2019
Genre: Challengings/Issues - Disabilities
Awards: None
Audience: ages 3-6
A. Emma is a six-year-old girl who is excitingly awaiting the birth of her new baby brother. However, after the baby is born, Emma's dad has to tell her that he was born with Down syndrome. This news is disappointing for Emma as she goes through all the things she believes she won't get to do with her little brother now that he has Down syndrome.
B. I would use this book with a child who has or is about to have a sibling with Down syndrome or other special needs. This book gives basic and easily understandable information on what life is like with a sibling with Down syndrome. Although it may take a little extra patience and help, just because someone has Down syndrome doesn't mean they cannot do the same things. It teaches that everyone is different but all loved the same.
C. I would consider this book a window book because it opens up the idea of people's different abilities. At the end of the book, the author includes a question and answer section about Down syndrome at a children's reading level. This invites children to broaden their knowledge and view of Down syndrome.
Awards: None
Audience: ages 3-6
A. Emma is a six-year-old girl who is excitingly awaiting the birth of her new baby brother. However, after the baby is born, Emma's dad has to tell her that he was born with Down syndrome. This news is disappointing for Emma as she goes through all the things she believes she won't get to do with her little brother now that he has Down syndrome.
B. I would use this book with a child who has or is about to have a sibling with Down syndrome or other special needs. This book gives basic and easily understandable information on what life is like with a sibling with Down syndrome. Although it may take a little extra patience and help, just because someone has Down syndrome doesn't mean they cannot do the same things. It teaches that everyone is different but all loved the same.
C. I would consider this book a window book because it opens up the idea of people's different abilities. At the end of the book, the author includes a question and answer section about Down syndrome at a children's reading level. This invites children to broaden their knowledge and view of Down syndrome.
January 5, 2018
A good story for older siblings of a special needs child. It's Down Syndrome in the book here, but the message is the same for any number of special needs circumstances. The older sister learns that she can plan on doing all the same things with her new brother, just that it might take a bit more patience and time. With a family member with special needs, I found it very well done, not too syrupy-sweet.
Not the greatest illustrations, but that's not really the focus of the book either. The story's the more important part here.
This is definitely a family read, not a storytime read. Much more useful for one-on-one discussions of a family's specific circumstances.
Not the greatest illustrations, but that's not really the focus of the book either. The story's the more important part here.
This is definitely a family read, not a storytime read. Much more useful for one-on-one discussions of a family's specific circumstances.
October 11, 2025
“By the time we were done talking, we couldn't find one of those million things that Isaac wouldn't be able to do with me. "If Isaac has this Down thing, then what can't he do?"
My dad hugged me. He said that as long as we were patient with Isaac, and helped him when he needed it, there probably wasn't anything he couldn't do.”
A warm book about a young girl who gets a baby brother with Down syndrome. It’s a simple, heartfelt story about family, love, and learning to see things differently. The ending leaves you smiling, and in the back, there’s also some short and helpful information about Down syndroom.
My dad hugged me. He said that as long as we were patient with Isaac, and helped him when he needed it, there probably wasn't anything he couldn't do.”
A warm book about a young girl who gets a baby brother with Down syndrome. It’s a simple, heartfelt story about family, love, and learning to see things differently. The ending leaves you smiling, and in the back, there’s also some short and helpful information about Down syndroom.
February 11, 2018
I love that this book takes the explorative imagination of a child and gives it meaning to a real life situation. The message is helpful for not only children to understand Down's syndrome, but in some cases adults too. The illustrations do a great job of telling the story as well. The images at the beginning of the story show Emma participating in the act with her little brother nearby, however, after she learns about her brother being born with Down's syndrome, the images change and she is being a dedicated sister showing patience and care.
February 4, 2019
Genre: Challenges/Issues
Awards: none
Audience: Ages 6-8
A. The challenge in the book is that the main character is looking forward to doing all these fun things with her new baby sibling and then the baby was born with down syndrome.
B. I would defend this selection because everyone can learn from this book. All students can learn about down syndrome and how even if the child is not on level developmentally they are still very capable.
C. This would be a window book because we are looking at the life of a child and her relationship with her younger brother.
Awards: none
Audience: Ages 6-8
A. The challenge in the book is that the main character is looking forward to doing all these fun things with her new baby sibling and then the baby was born with down syndrome.
B. I would defend this selection because everyone can learn from this book. All students can learn about down syndrome and how even if the child is not on level developmentally they are still very capable.
C. This would be a window book because we are looking at the life of a child and her relationship with her younger brother.
March 21, 2024
A young girl is unhappy that she will have a new sibling, until she and her father dicuss all the things that she will eventually be able to do with her little sister or brother. When her brother is born with Down Syndrome, her father assures her that he will still be able to do all those things eventually. He will just need more help and more time to learn. The book has an informative afterward in a quesion and answer format that addresses many of the concerns of an older sibling. The book is a perfect introduction to the child when the new baby has Downs.
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