Major accidents, injuries, and illnesses in early life, all
have the debilitating potential to run rings of fear
Winner of the silver medal for the Mom’s Choice Awards 2013 in the category “Children's Picture Books:
Inspirational/Motivational, Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair: An
Empowering Fairy Tale (Loving Healing Press, 2011) by Jewel Kats is a
modern version of the timeless fairy tale Cinderella in which children meet a
young Cinderella who is physically bound to a wheelchair. However, her beauty
and creative talent are boundless. As her relatives make fun of her wish to
meet the Prince at the up-and-coming royal costume party, her destiny turns out
to be beautiful and true.
Taking a character with a physical disability and making her
as lovable and strong as anyone is easier said than done; but Jewel Kats has
done it perfectly. Her Cinderella on a wheelchair makes a model character for
children who have suffered any kind of trauma or injury and its related psychological
toll. Cinderella in Kat’s book lovingly goes about her jewelry-making work and
remaining very positive and patient against the negative attitude of her
family.
Cinderella's Magical
Wheelchair also breaks with social stereotypes. Beauty for the Prince in
this story does not mean looks; the Prince is moved when he sees Cinderella’s
caring heart as she has made a get-well-soon card for her ill father, the King.
Then, at the dance session, neither the Prince nor Cinderella is kept from
dancing together by her wheelchair. It is a unique dance made possible by
mutual love, respect, and care. Later in the story, Cinderella becomes an
independent character, renting her own place and actualizing her artistic
talent to earn her own living. She proves by example that one’s inner strength,
the strength and beauty of one’s spirit is superior to physical abilities.
Like all empowering books, Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair is full of hope and encouragement
for children. And it is also fun to read with the special fairy character
Monique coming as a surprise and an amusing presence in Cinderella’s life. Written
tightly with a touch of good humor and adorned with Richa Kinra’s eye-catching
illustrations, this is one uplifting book for every child with any kind of
physical disability, or any lingering effect of trauma, illness, or injury.
ISBN: 978-1615991129
Author Website: http://www.jewelkats.com
