Up and Adam

by Debbie Zapata, Yong Ling Kang (Illustrator)

A winning, uplifting story about a boy with Down syndrome who helps his neighbors in the aftermath of a storm in a way only he can.

It's the morning after the big storm. Adam and his dog, Up, are finishing breakfast when Adam sees the mayor on TV asking everyone to pitch in with the cleanup. She says, “Now, it's time to get to work. Up and at 'em!” When Adam hears the mayor tell him and Up to get to work, he's on it! “We can help!” he says. All day, the pair do what they can --- clearing the sidewalk, fixing a birdhouse, passing out cookies. But it turns out, Adam's most important contribution to his community is one he doesn't even think about --- his smile. Because when anyone sees Adam smile, they smile, too. And as Adam says, “A pair of smiles can make a difference.”

Debbie Zapata's sweet story scores on two fronts: it features an endearing and authentic representation of a child with Down syndrome, focused on his abilities, not disabilities, and it offers an inspiring model of how everyone can make a difference in their community. Adam's Down syndrome is not referenced in the story but is addressed in an author's note, which also includes information about Down syndrome, and resources. Adam's open-hearted and infectious smile lights the pages as he lifts spirits all over town in Yong Ling Kang's illustrations, which thoughtfully feature details in Adam's clothing and belongings that are sensitive to his needs. The book is full of positive examples of community, contributing and inclusion, and beautifully captures the character education themes of kindness, teamwork, initiative and citizenship.

Genres: Picture Books, Disability, Childrens, Friendship, Fiction, Dogs

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 3, 2022

Reviews

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy, Adam, and his dog Up rally when they hear a call to action from the local mayor after a storm. They head out into their community and help clear debris, fix a birdhouse, and pass out cookies all with Adam's positive attitude and infectious smile. Backmatter reveals that Adam has down syndrome and this story was written to focus on his abilities. A heartwarming story of community, kindness, and making a difference.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Kids Can Press, for the advance reading copy.

The book is amazing! It tells the story of a boy who has a good daily routine, and a community which helps each other in times of need.

The little boy is so cute and such a great representation of a responsible person.

The illustrations are so beautiful and wholesome.

An amazing read for the young.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that the book is just about Adam, not Adam with Down syndrome. A wonderful story about community, doing your part, and acceptance.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-intentioned book, but not one I really thought a huge success. Based on the son of the author having a huge heart, alongside his Down's Syndrome, it features Adam and his dog Up, who hear the rallying cry of "Up and at 'em!" from the mayor of their town after it gets battered by a storm. This Adam (as indeed is Up) is a charming youngster, but not only does the town get the benefit of him doing a lot of menial work for free, he also swamps them with delicious cookies. This seems a very one-sided view of friendliness and kindness and positivity, then – the story pages don't mention any syndrome, and leave that for elsewhere, and the whole story lacks a kind of pay-it-forward joy, instead concentrating on just the one instance of a kid willing to put himself out for no practical benefit. Adam deserved better, and to some extent so would the purchasers of this.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is full of curveballs including storms that destroy many towns. This story will uplift young readers struggling in the aftermath of those events as we follow a young boy Adam and his dog Up on their journey to help rebuild their fictional town of Portville. Adam is called to action by the mayor of the town “…get to work…Up and at ‘em!” when he mistakenly thinks the TV broadcast from the mayor is talking directly to him and his dog. Adam and Up jump into action with kindness and a helping hand: picking up sticks and scattered toys and handing out heaping doses of smiles. This story makes you feel good and inspires us all to continue to make a difference in big and small ways. I highly recommend this story. A beloved bedtime classic and perfect for story time!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam is based on the author's son who has Down Syndrome. Just like Adam, Adam is everyone's friend. He smiles and he most helpful to his friends, community and family. Everyone makes a different. Up and Adam does not know what being down is! He see's the good in everyone and everything. We need more Adam's in the world.

A special Thank you to Kid's Can Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and Up, his dog, are out to help the town after big storm came through.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a speech pathologist, I love stories that feature people with differences (like Down Syndrome) but I also love stories about kids with differences that don't focus on that difference. UP & ADAM is a sweet story about a kid being kind and helpful, a kid that also happens to have Down Syndrome. Adam's motivation to help his community will inspire all kids! A must-have in every classroom library!

[Karen O'Neal (EDU378)]

Text-to-Self Connection

This is a very special story. A boy with downs syndrome and his dog helps his town after a horrible storm hits his town. I love this story because I have taught many children with downs syndrome and I don't see them as a child of downs syndrome. I loved how this story doesn't label him, it only talks about his kind heart heart and how he chooses to help to the best of his ability. This story really hit home and made me happy that my babies are exactly as I see them,perfect humans.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, sweet book about a young boy named Adam who knows how to get things done. After a bad storm, he hears a newscast where the mayor of his town calls on citizens to help out by getting "up and at 'em." Adam sees this as his own personal directive, and walks around his neighborhood with his dog Up, finding situations where his neighbors need assistance. Each time, he figures out how to help. (And Up helps in surprising and funny ways.) When Adam's done helping, he decides that everyone needs a treat, and takes the initiative to make some and then hand them out to people in his community. The ending, showing Up and Adam getting reading for bed by brushing their teeth also places a nice cap on the story, with Adam and his shiny, clean teeth smiling into the mirror realizing how "a pair of smiles can make a difference." A book with a message that doesn't feel "message-y"! I also love how the end papers show a map of Adam's neighborhood and the path he takes through it.

[MookNana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story of Adam and his dog Up, who find that they have lots of things to offer their community when they help out after a severe storm. The tone is very positive and focused on how small acts of kindness are powerful. Living in a storm-prone area, I would definitely love to have this in the classroom to help students process feelings about the storms that blow through and how we can make things better.

An author's note at the end mentions that Adam is inspired by her son with Down Syndrome but that is not referenced in the text at all, so I suppose caregivers can decide whether or not to introduce the concept. If they do, the focus is firmly on what Adam CAN do, which is an affirming message.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Becky Scharnhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet story about a young boy who helps his community after a big storm. Readers will be inspired by Adam’s kindness and his willingness to help wherever he is needed. I especially liked that this story focused on the many ways Adam was able to contribute. So often children are told they are too little or too young to help. This book shows that everyone can use their gifts to make the world a better place. I also enjoyed the repetition and onomatopoeia found throughout the text. In the author’s note at the back, Debbie Zapata addresses Adam’s Down Syndrome and shares additional resources if readers would like more information. With themes of kindness, community, and inclusion, this book is an excellent choice for home and classroom libraries.

[Laura Gehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this uplifting book! A sweet story of a little boy and his pup who help their community in simple but meaningful ways after a natural disaster. The back matter explains that the story is inspired by the author's son, who has Down syndrome. Like the main character in the book, the author's son brightens people's day with his cheery "hi hiii" and contagious smile. The back matter also includes additional resources for learning about Down syndrome.

[Lisa Katzenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and his dog Up are always together. Then the mayor asks the community to help out after a storm, and encourages everyone to get “up an at ‘em.” Adam and Up, of course, get right to work, spreading help, positivity and smiles across the community. Such a lovely book to remind us that a single smile can have a wide impact.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed so much at how Up (the dog) and Adam think the town's mayor is calling on them to help their community after a big storm causes damage, and she says, "Up and at 'em!"

But Up and Adam, a little boy who has Down's Syndrome, do help their community.

This is a terrific and sweet book!

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy and his dog help out after a terrible storm. His smile and generous heart bring the community together. A sweet story of individualism, inclusion, and contribution.

[Sany · Rating 5 out of 5]

As every day when Up and Adam woke up, they followed their usual routine of making their bed, getting dressed and having breakfast. Meanwhile, in the living room, their parents listen to the news. As a result of a storm, repairs are being carried out in the city, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

The mayor thanked everyone for their help and cooperation and encouraged them to continue working together. When Adam heard her, he immediately took action. He and Up could help too.

Up and Adam spend their days on the move, helping out wherever they are needed. But still, Adam thinks he can do more. So with Up's help, he set a plan in motion. His aim is not only to help, but also to bring joy and a smile back to the local people.

Up and Adam is a children's book about community life and the importance of helping others whenever necessary. It is so beautiful and conveys such a beautiful and important message that it is well worth reading for that reason alone.

Adam is a boy with Down's syndrome and the author focuses on showing us all his good qualities and what he is able to do. She tells us about his beautiful and sincere smile, his big heart, his joy and kindness. How he always adapts to the circumstances and thinks about what to do to help others.

I really liked this perspective because it not only talks about Adam, but also shows the attitude of the people around him, how they accept and love him as he is, without labelling him. They respect him and never make him feel different, on the contrary, they include him in all activities.

This is a community where everyone helps each other and works as a team to achieve a common goal. They are free from prejudice and that alone makes a difference.

Up and Adam tells a beautiful story that instils good behaviour in children. But it is also a great example of what an inclusive world should look like, where everyone has a place and is treated with equal care and respect.

A must-read both in schools and on the bookshelves at home.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Zapata wrote this story about her son, Adam, who has Down Syndrome. Adam and his dog Up hear the news about everyone cleaning up after a big storm and they want to help. They go out with their wagon and pick up branches, toys and litter. He greets everyone with a cheerful "Hi, Hiii" and a huge and infectious smile. We enjoyed this smile about even a small boy and his dog being able to help and make everyone smile. His little gift of help and cookies were simple but meant so much to everyone. We talked about helping others and making them happy, even if you are young. I have to say that I said nothing to my granddaughter about Adam having Down Syndrome or being different, so she didn't even notice. He seemed like a normal little boy to her. I like the idea of a story dealing with inclusion, especially as my grandson is on the autism spectrum and has a lot of social issues, but this story, cute as it was, didn't really get that message across to my granddaughter. I also liked the author's note and the resources at the back of the book for more information. My granddaughter enjoyed the story, especially when Adam's dog, Up helped him.

[Elayne Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every child deserves the opportunity to show what they are capable of, and in Up and Adam when the main character feels welcomed by the mayor to help the community after a big storm, he gets right to work--in the small but impactful ways that kids so often do.

At first, Adam (and his dog Up) help others by pitching in on the various projects of neighbors, but Adam eventually decides he wants to put his own, bigger plan in motion to assist, with sweet results. Throughout the book, his refrain of "We can help!" will ring true to, and inspire, kid readers.

Story note: the MC in this story is a sweet, kind, and helpful kid named Adam who all kids will easily be able to identify with, and who also happens to have Down syndrome. Because representation matters, though, I think it's important to include that in this review for anyone specifically looking for books with that representation. Unfortunately, it's still hard to find books that feature differently-abled children--especially those that focus on strengths instead of differences.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a young boy named Adam and his dog named Up. After a big storm, Adam hears a news reporter say “let’s get up and at ‘em” when enlisting storm relief support, and thinks that he and his dog are being called to service. The story follows his interactions with neighbours as he and Up find kid- (and dog-) friendly tasks to help out. I didn’t realized until the end of the book that Adam also has Down syndrome. I think this is a great way to teach that people with disabilities can lead regular lives and be a positive part of their communities. This book demonstrates the importance of inclusion and the value of diversity. I would definitely recommend for families and schools looking for a picture with diverse characters and stories!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to purchasing a copy for my classroom library!

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. I love how it is about a Down's Syndrome boy helping his community after a storm. I watched children in my own community today picking up tree branches and trash from a nasty wind storm. Their street looked great--other streets had trash strewn all over after the cans were knocked over in the night. Children really can make a big difference. The title is creative and fun. However, I had a problem with the illustrations. I couldn't tell Adam had Downs. I only know it from reading the blurb at the end of the book. My baby sister had Down's Syndrome. Their features are very distinctive. I would have recognized a Down's character if the illustrations had been done with the typical DS features drawn in--or better yet--if photos had been used. There is a list of resources at the end of the book for disabled people that you can use or donate to. We have fond memories of the Special Olympics.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and uplifting story about a little boy Adam and his dog Up who spend their day helping their community clean up after a devastating storm. The story – sprinkled with onomatopoeia and a repetitive refrain of “We can help!” -- focuses on how one small kindness can make a huge difference. It’s already a beautiful story, but it gets even more beautiful when you discover, in the end, that Adam has Down syndrome. That detail is nowhere in the text and is only mentioned in the Author’s Note when Ms. Zapata reveals that the main character was inspired by her own son. Adam – Down syndrome or not – is simply a wonderful kid who wants to do the right thing and make the world a better place. What a gorgeous tribute to the real Adam who will now – through this book – have his chance to inspire other kids to seize opportunities to be helpful and kind.

[Kayla - the.bookish.mama]

I have very mixed feelings about this book, and being that it is so closely related to being prompted by the author’s child I don’t feel it’s appropriate to give a star rating. I loved the inclusion in this story, however I would have loved to see his peers and community inviting him in, amplifying what a skilled/caring individual he is, and including him, rather than it being our MC offering to help all of the time. Inclusion is incredibly important, and so is representation in children’s literature. I was also a bit disappointed to see that it wasn’t mentioned that our MC had Down syndrome, because if the goal was to show that anyone with this diagnosis is an integral part of society, we wouldn’t have know this detail without a note from the author. I think the goal of the overall message is great, but I didn’t feel it was delivered in the way it was intended through this story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story of Adam, a boy with Down syndrome, and his dog Up celebrates the power of small gestures to help others. Yong Ling Kang's art oozes warmth and inclusivity (I especially liked the map on the end pages). Subtle opposition between her art and Debbie Zapata's text (for instance, the text says Up's food always landed in a perfect pile while the art shows dog food scattered) add a fun layer, as does the repetition of sounds in the text. The story also subtly challenges gender norms with a female mayor and a girl wielding a hammer. Up and Adam's story just might inspire young readers of all abilities to spread kindness!

NOTE: I received a digital ARC from the author for the purposes of an honest review.

[Margaret Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Adam and his dog, Up, as they contribute to the town's efforts to clean up after a storm. Like the author's son, Adam has Down's syndrome but this is not a story about his condition. Instead, this story normalizes people with disability which I love. Adam does not focus on what he can't do and instead uses his charm and ingenuity to bring smiles to the town and ultimately bring them together.
The illustrations are light and delicate. They capture the character's expressions beautifully.
The text is varied and full of onomatopeia, making it fun to read aloud. This story would work well in libraries and classrooms as well as at home.

An empowering story for all children with subtle themes of inclusivity.

*I received an advance digital copy for review*

[Elizabeth Bedia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyfully uplifting! This sweet story is perfect for kids of all ages! Adam and his dog, Up, approach every day in a positive way, so when a storm affects their community – they are motivated to help. Zapata’s thoughtful, accessible text paired with Kang’s soft, engaging illustrations beautifully weave the themes of community, inclusion, and importance of making a difference throughout the book. The backmatter reveals that the main character was inspired by the author's own son, Adam, who has down’s syndrome and that no matter the abilities of individuals they can make a difference and evoke positive change in our world every day. I love the refreshing positive, upbeat nature of this adorable story – because frankly, we need more Adams and Ups in the world. Highly recommend!!!

[Nancy Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When they saw Adam smiling, they smiled too.” A closing thought in the picture book a “UP and Adam,” written by Debbie Zapata and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. That thought speaks volumes! “Up and Adam” is the story of a young boy who with the help of his dog, Up, and a wagon, works to help clean up after a storm in his neighborhood. The real tasks are important but so is that smile. Talk about the power of human connections, big and small. A child reader can see themselves in this story and get ideas on ways to get involved. The possibilities! I love that Debbie’s character, Adam, is quietly modeled after her own son who has Down syndrome. Adam is a child like all children, in an inclusive world. A Child who can make change – even if just sharing a smile—and those smiles multiply!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Up and Adam by Debbie Zapata and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang from Kids Can Press in exchange for an honest review.

Up and Adam is such a cute name for this picture book - Up is a dog and Adam, his owner, a young boy with Down syndrome. This cute play on their names and the expression "up and at 'em" set this adorable duo on an adventure to get to work to help their town after they were hit by a giant storm the week before. Up and Adam go around town, helping where they could and always sharing a smile along the way, spreading kindness, cheer and hope. Starting small, and working towards reaching out to the greater community, Adam and Up find ways to bring a little sweetness into everyone's lives. An uplifting story that was inspired by the author's son.

[Sharon Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids Can Press is the perfect publisher for this inspirational story. All kids can make a difference in this world. Adam, while not specifically stated in the text, has Down Syndrome. But that doesn't stop him. On the contrary, he's so excited about helping his neighbors after a storm that he enlists the help of his dog, Up. The recurring line in this story is, "We can help." The two together are a force to be reckoned with. Follow this duo as they inspire and delight.

Yong Ling Kang's illustrations bring a warmth to this story which is the perfect tone. Many of the illustrations are set against pale backgrounds infusing a softness to each scene.

Back Matter is also included. The author gives insight into why she wrote this story which is based on her own son.

[Lindsay Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and his dog Up heed a call from Madam Mayor to get "up and at 'em" to help their community recover from a powerful storm. With a big smile, Adam walks along with Up through his neighborhood and lends a helping hand, which encourages others to get involved. Adam leads with his heart in this motivational picture book that will for sure put a smile on your face and get you thinking about how you can help your neighbors. I especially loved how this author centers a child with Down syndrome without explicitly mentioning it in the text (the author's son has Down syndrome and provides helpful back matter), and shows Adam's problem-solving "can do" abilities and tender heart.