I Can, Can You?

Rating:
Summary: A simple and jubilant read-aloud experience
Review: I Can, Can You? is a board book featuring bright color photographs of babies and toddlers with Down syndrome, exploring the world and sharing new experiences. Playing tee-ball, learning sign language, drawing, finding one's feet, each activity is happily related in a phrase "I can... can you?" A simple and jubilant read-aloud experience to share with the very young.


Rating:
Summary: (Bet you can too)
Review: What a find! With the limited choice of books available in which children who happen to have Down syndrome are depicted in normal, everyday experiences, encountering such an appealing little keeper as I Can, Can You? is heartening.

Pitzer's sturdy, colorful photographic board book with rounded corners is about 5x7 inches, perfectly sized for lap sharing or independent holding. It features fifteen adorable babies and toddlers with Down syndrome, not just posing, but captured as they concentrate on real-life activities.

Most of the children are caucasian. One is of Asian and one of African descent. The photos are clear and expressive, one to a page. The repetitive text is simple and positive: `I can [whatever designated activity]! Can you?' (play patty cake, play with blocks, feed myself, take a bath, go down a slide, swim, draw, find my feet, learn sign language, play by myself, share, smile, play ball, discover my world.)

Unspoken `bet you can too' encouragement comes through loud and clear in this pleasant, engaging infant/toddler book with a friendly tone.