Review by Booklist Review
In this unforgettable debut, Schulte presents an inclusive story that highlights the special bond between father and daughter. Elsie is a nonverbal girl whose eagerness for an upcoming father-daughter dance is palpable. As presented in the author's note at the beginning, the book is inspired by Schulte's three daughters. Like one of those daughters, Elsie has Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), which the author briefly but informatively explains. The story covers Elsie's preparation for the dance and introduces readers to the tools that Elsie uses every day, including a book where she chooses words to communicate by touching pictures. Throughout the story, Schulte captures Elsie's interactions with her family in a straightforward manner, including dinnertime, during which Elsie is fed through a feeding tube. When heavy snow threatens to cancel Elsie's highly anticipated dance, readers anxiously wait along with the girl to find out if she'll be able to dance with Daddy in her perfectly chosen dress. With sparkling, colorful illustrations that capture Elsie's expressions and the story's warmth, this heartfelt story is a must-read.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Inspired by the author's three daughters, particularly one who has Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, this picture book follows Elsie, a light-skinned girl with WHS who uses a Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display book to communicate, a gastronomy tube to eat, and a wheelchair to supplement her orthotics. Elsie is looking forward to a father-daughter dance, excited to wear her new red dress and bow that "matches Daddy's soccer jersey." As snow falls, Elsie worries that the event will be canceled. But the morning brings positive news, and she and her dad and sisters dance the night away. In her picture book debut, Rowe Schulte uses accessible, rhythmic language ("Inside, daughters dashed. Ponytails bounced. Dresses flounced"), conveying Elsie's thoughts in pink- and red-colored text. Light-filled digital illustrations by Chen make use of differing angles and dynamic shots, emphasizing the love the family has for one another. Front matter features an author's note. Ages 3--7. (Dec.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A nonverbal girl who uses a wheelchair anticipates a father-daughter dance in Schulte's debut. As Elsie and her mother shop for the perfect dress, Elsie ponders: Pink or red? Red matches Daddy's soccer jersey--a red dress it is! Her supportive sisters are thrilled for her, too. But it's snowing harder and harder. What if the dance is canceled? Refreshingly, Elsie's disability is seamlessly presented as simply another aspect of family life; for instance, as Elsie's sisters slurp up noodles with chopsticks, Daddy matter-of-factly gives Elsie a "push" of liquid food through a feeding tube. Pops of rhyme or alliteration add pep to the straightforward text: "Inside, daughters dashed. Ponytails bounced. Dresses flounced." Inspired by the author's daughter, who has Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, Elsie is delightfully expressive. Elsie's italicized thoughts convey her worry and excitement; she "can't wait to see [her] dress spin." Her face, bearing characteristic features of the disorder, radiates emotion. She frowns forlornly at fat snowflakes and beams with infectious joy as her sisters help her "[find] her groove." Whether she's pointing to pictures in her communication book or anxiously indicating her missing hair bow, her family is warmly attentive. As she swings and sways in her father's arms, her forehead against his, their love is palpable; Chen's illustrations fairly glow with affection. Elsie and her family are cued as East Asian. A heartwarming portrayal of a family embracing disability. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
