'The Prince Who Was Just Himself' is, in fact, a young boy with Down Syndrome. The fictional story is autobiographical, as the author is the Mother of the real life Prince Noah, who, in the story, saves the day by melting the heart of an angry villian who has come to attack Prince Noah's kingdom. The story is unfussy and sweet, and seems to be a story that the author wrote for her child, depicting him as the hero for diffusing a conflict with love. And he was just being himself! If you have a friend or a relative with Down Syndrome, you know how much these individuals remind us constantly what is important, love, joy and being 'in the moment'. In the author's note, the mother admits that when he was born, and they found out about the real life Noah's Down Syndrome, she was 'shocked and sad', but goes on to say that, 'The catalyst for this book was witnessing the effect he had on many people, despite being categorized as disabled.'. Parents educating parents, parents educating the public, this seems to be the vehicle for creating access to a meaningful life for children with a full spectrum of abilities. ( )

The Prince Who Was Just Himself is an adorable book about young Prince Noah who wasn't quite like his brothers-or anyone else in the kingdom. Prince Noah has a type of Downs Syndrome, which is explained in a very simple and sweet way that I think most children could understand. He is rather slow, simple, and nonathletic, but also very kind. The story just captures my heart as does little Noah. Throughout the story, Noah's behaviors and actions are completely validated in the way they are presented. Even the way he is frequently referred to as The Prince Who was Just Himself tells that it is okay to be different, regardless of what makes you different. It is such a positive book that sends a message that is incredibly important. I hope it both spreads awareness throughout the neurotypical community as well as comfort to those like Noah. We are all just ourselves. ( )

First I need to say that this is not a beginner reader's picture book. The words are on every other page like you'd expect with a picture book but this book has a more words per page, covering one-quarter of each two page spread. Two pictures cover the other three-quarters. This I like very much. I also like the illustrations.

The story doesn't come right out and say something like "this child has Down syndrome" or anything like that. The Queen and the King both mention that he looks different but the siblings accept him right away. The town people are horrid but Prince Noah is just happy to be out in the sun.

Like all good picture books, something bad almost happens but Prince Noah saves the day and all the town people love him. Prince Noah doesn't really care, he's just happy to be out in the sun.

Moral of the story? Be accepting, we are all different from each other as well as being the same. And then there's enjoy the journey for it is good to be out in the sun ;-)

I'm sad that I don't have a little one to read this too!

The book was also reviewed on my blog (www.bookdragonslair.com) ( )

As an elementary school counselor, I love the theme of this book! "The Prince Who Was Just Himself" delicately tells the story about a little boy who appears different. Although the story never tells why he is different, the reader begins to see how his differences make him unique. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of this book and am looking forward to using it in classroom lessons! ( )

This bright and cheerful illustrated book is a fine one time read for small children. My kids didn't really get into it and it didn't join the favorites of the house pile, but it was an enjoyable time. Wouldn't buy it, but could see pulling it off the shelf if I happened to see it while in the library.