Chicago Treasure (Book Review)

Name of Reviewer: Tiffany Johnson - Owner/Creator of Uniqueli MADE

Title: Chicago Treasure

Author(s): Larry Broutman, Rich Green, and John Rabias

A brief synopsis: Chicago Treasure is an astonishing children's book filled with nursery rhymes, fairy tales. As well, as poetry and pictures of historical monuments and places around Chicago. The authors wanted to capture children in unlikely Chicago venues. Since the true "Chicago Treasure" are the children. So, they invited children whose ages ranged from a few months old to seventeen years old. Numerous children were from the Judy and Ray McCaskey Preschool Program at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually disabled. In Chicago Treasure, there is no way to differentiate who is disabled and who is not. This fact was essential for the authors because the central theme of the book is inclusion. Each child was digitized as characters of some of the most known fairy tales and nursery rhymes such as Little Boy Blue, Paul Bunyan, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, Peter Pan, Jack and the Giant Beanstalk, The Three Little Pigs, Jack and Jill, and Little Bo Peep to name a few. All of the poems fit individual children's situations and the pictures captured the most precious moments and looks of happiness at every place.

What is my favorite part of the book: There is not one thing about this book I do not like. I absolutely love it! The fact that the inclusion was a big part of this book was a huge plus. I love that the children have to be apart of their own fairy tales because it is not often seen, and representation definitely matters. It is a great book for all ages. Especially, young children who need to be introduced to disability and that there are children who are differently able. Chicago Treasure is a beautiful book.

Would I recommend this book to anyone else?: Yes, a thousand times yes I would. As I mentioned quite a few times this book is for all ages. For the younger audience it introduces disability, inclusion, and fairy tales. The older audience will get a glimpse of disability and inclusion, hopefully enough to learn more. All while, being able to reminisce and remember childhood memories from the stories inside. I love it!