Mimi369's Full Review: Miriam L. Jacobs - My Name is Not Monkey Girl
My Name is Not Monkey Girl is a special children's book written with love and passion by author Miriam L. Jacobs. The author wrote the inspirational, colorful book to help educate parents and children about a rare skin condition that her granddaughter, Candace, was born with. As she raises awareness on this very rare disorder, the author is also promoting the importance of parents to instill basic fundamental values in their children from a young age.
The story is written in simple terms, easy enough for beginner readers to read and comprehend. The words used are rhyming, adding to the ease of comprehension. Written in first person in the voice of the eight-year-old child, Candace; she immediately speaks to the young reader.
"Hi. My name is Candace.
Welcome to my world!
My name is not Sue or Jane
And, it sure isn't Monkey Girl!"
The condition is called Giant Congenital Nevus. Characteristics of the disorder are darkened, raised, hairy patches of skin. There is a risk of melanoma and other complications.
When Candace was a young child, she was stared at, whispered about, pointed at, and shunned by other children, as well as many adults. This prompted the writing of My Name is Not Monkey Girl to promote tolerance and compassion for others with differences.
Graphic illustrator Cheryl Derocher brilliantly brings the characters to life with many colorful, action-packed, water-color paintings. The paintings of Candace interacting with children of all shapes, sizes, and colors- some wearing eyeglasses, some with freckles- illustrates how we are all different, yet, desire friendship.
By the time the story is complete, the young reader will learn a bit about making friends, how name calling hurts feelings, and how we are all a part of the human race.
Highly recommended for pre-schoolers and beyond. Daycare providers have used this book during story time and the parents of the children have purchased copies to read and re-read at home.
Candace introduced her book to her Brownies Girl Scout troop, reading the story to them herself. The children enjoyed the story, listening intently, and sharing in a lively discussion afterwards about responsibility, compassion, respect, friendship and unconditional love.
Author Miriam L. Jacobs wrote My Name is Not Monkey Girl as a fund raising tool for continuous reconstructive facial surgeries for Candace Battiste.
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