Critical Praise
"...a thoughtful book that addresses an important and often misunderstood subject."
-Chattanooga Times Free Press
"The warm pastel illustrations support the theme of acceptance...The book reads well...and would be a good introduction for youngsters welcoming a disabled child into their school or neighborhood."
-School Library Journal
"...A sensitive tale wonderfully illustrated by Sandra Speidel."
- Omaha World - Herald
"This is a beautiful story that will enlighten your children, your class, and yourself."
-Ventura County Parent
"[Kate] ponders why God makes life so hard for people...This is the best part of the book...gauzy chalk artwork also adds a softening note."
—Booklist
"Shriver's message...is to be lauded...Spiedel's hazy, soft-edged pastels suggest a spiritual quality and universality that match the book's theme."
—Publishers Weekly,
"Every parent who wants to teach their children to be open, tolerant and sensitive should buy and read this book with their children."
-Linda and Richard Eyre, authors of TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN VALUES and THE HAPPY FAMILY
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Delightful...Shriver takes a serious, child-oriented approach to helping children understand peers who are different and have special needs. Parents will find this book an excellent tool for teaching lessons about acceptance."
-T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., author of THE IRREDUCIBLE NEEDS OF CHILDREN
"WHAT'S WRONG WITH TIMMY? teaches its readers that every child has a special mission and sends a valuable message about accepting differences that all children should hear."
-Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children's Defense Fund
WHAT'S WRONG WITH TIMMY? is a book that parents should read and discuss with their kids. One of the most important goals for our society must be tolerance, compassion and inclusion for everyone who is not "normal." Toward that end, Maria Shriver's simple narrative makes a valuable contribution."
-Christopher Reeve
"Disabilities are not irredeemable and may in the long run enable since from them may come individual works of art and beauty such as this book. What is wrong is not a given condition, but rather, not responding with compassion to the person who must live with the condition. The "ugly ducklings" who make it on their own, who transform themselves into swans, are few and far between. If, however, they see love reflected in the eyes of those whom they meet, the transformation does occur."
-Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of LOVE, MEDICINE & MIRACLES and PRESCRIPTIONS FOR LIVING
"This book will help special needs children by making their world a kinder place, but it will help "normal" children even more by expanding their souls and nourishing their sense of compassion."
-Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE
"I read WHAT'S WRONG WITH TIMMY? with my eleven-year-old daughter - actually, she read it to me. We both think it's a wonderful book that parents and children should read together."
-Bob Costas, NBC
"I would like to see a copy of WHAT'S WRONG WITH TIMMY? in the library of every elementary school, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to encourage compassion and tolerance in their own children"
-Bookloons.com