Book details

  • Genre:children's fiction
  • Sub-genre:Disabilities & Special Needs
  • Age Range (years):6 - 8
  • Language:English
  • Pages:28
  • Hardcover ISBN:9781667846408

Jolene, the Disability Awareness Chicken

By Karen Finnegan

Overview

Jolene was one of six chicks who hatched in the Hudson Valley in the spring of 2021. Jolene's egg was blue, while all the others were brown or white. Jolene was born with a birth defect known of as perosis which made it impossible for her to fly or run. In the book Jolene, the Disability Awareness Chicken, Jolene and her sister Christopher help inspire children to embrace what is special and different in each other.
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Description

Jolene was one of six chicks who hatched in the spring of 2021. Jolene's egg was blue while all the others were either brown or white. Her egg was also unusually thick, and ultimately she required assistance hatching. The hatch was successful, and her tiny wet body was placed immediately in the incubator. Within a few hours her brothers and sisters were up and about, but Jolene was still crouched over in a tiny fluffy ball. Jolene was born with a birth defect known as perosis, where the tendon on her left leg slowly pulled her foot to the side as she grew. With daily physical therapy and other tools, Jolene was eventually able to hop around using one leg, and was a sweet and happy bird all her life. We are grateful to Jolene for teaching us how to speak to children about disability, and for inspiring this book about how each of us is different, unique, and beautiful.
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About The Author

Karen Finnegan is a writer who lives in the Hudson Valley, NY with her husband, children, and miscellaneous feathered and furry friends. Karen's company "Chickens with Attitude" provides opportunities for adults and kids to connect, learn and grow together through events like "Chicken Yoga for the Soul", "The Chicken Run 5k", and the "Give a Cluck for Kids" annual gift drop. With the power of a small but enchanting group of domesticated fowl she strives to use good humor and friendship to bring people together. Her chickens have been the recipients of the Dutchess County Executive's "Poultry Laureate Award", and the centers of attention at the local baseball games, fundraisers and storytime events in classrooms and daycares. www.ChickenswithAttitude.com

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Book Reviews

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Allyson
Awesome Book Jolene: The Disability Chicken is a great book in my opinion. It’s an easy way to open up the discussion of disabilities, gender identity, and equality among everyone to young learners. It show how and why everyone is unique and should be proud of that. As a retired teacher, I highly recommend this book. Read more
Jill
A lovely, inclusive story Jolene is a lovely story about differences with mesmerizing illustrations. Inclusive books, such as Jolene, are so important not only in helping children feel represented and to recognize themselves as valuable members of society, but also in giving children an understanding that other people’s different experiences are just as important as their own. Read more
Rosanne
Celebrating our Differences Jolene: The Disability Awareness Chicken is a tender tale that celebrates individuality, the differences that make us all unique. This book is the perfect vehicle for sowing the seeds of this important discussion with young children. The beautiful truth of this story is a lesson for children and adults alike. Read more
Tam
Celebrating friendship, kindness and care This is a joyous book that encourages children to celebrate how each living being is wonderfully unique and how we can support one another through friendship, kindness and care. The delightful illustrations animate this beautiful message. Read more
Lisa
Jolene The Disability Awareness Chicken Jolene's story captures the experience of being "the other" in society with warmth and a gentle sensitivity, which provides a compelling understanding of disability. A beautiful and sweetly engaging read. - Lisa Tarricone, Executive Director Read more
Mark
An important message for kids of all ages Jolene tells the story of a baby chick who's a little different from the others, but is still welcomed and loved by her family and community. It's important for kids to learn that just because they may not look or act like other kids, they're great just as they are. This book presents that simple positive message with beautiful artwork and clear writing. There are a few adults who might also benefit from hearing it too! Read more
Laura
Sweet book every classroom should have Such a wonderful book that shows children that that encourages us to love our differences. Lovely illustrations. Would make a great gift for a classroom. Read more
Jeanne
We’re all a little different A beautiful little book about being a little different. As a parent of kids who may not quite fit the mold, it’s important to see books that embrace and celebrate being who you are. Read more
Audrey
Jolene the disability awareness chicken A sweet story written in a way that it teaches young kids to understand how disability isn’t scary. How regardless of it, we are all the same inside. My daughter loved the story of Jolene. Read more
Jolene
Beautiful story This is so very kindly written. I am glad that books like this are available for children. Read more