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Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion is a children’s picture book written by Rita Reed, with illustrations by Craig Cartwright. The story follows Dogfish, who has been invited to celebrate his friend Wally the Whale Shark’s birthday in Los Cabos, Mexico. Excited about the invitation, Dogfish joyfully swims south to Mexico with his close friend Elly, who wears earmuffs due to her sensitivity to sound. The two friends are eager to meet their other classmates, each of whom is special and unique. They include Angelfish, who uses a hearing aid; Shark, who wears shades because he is blind; and Tilly Turtle, who has a missing limb. Amidst the excitement of their reunion, Dogfish notices that Ollie, a shy and nervous octopus who is new in town, is missing and probably hiding from everyone. Dogfish understands that without Ollie, the party won't be as enjoyable, as they will be missing a vital member of the group. Join Dogfish and his friends as they devise ways to encourage Ollie to come out of his hiding place and join the fun.
Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion is a heartwarming story that teaches children about kindness and inclusivity. It emphasizes the value of embracing differences and ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Rita Reed skillfully raises awareness about various disabilities through this narrative, promoting acceptance and genuine friendship. Dogfish is a lovable character who embodies kindness and compassion. His determination to include the shy newcomer, Ollie the Octopus, highlights the central message that a community is only complete when everyone is present and valued. This narrative effectively uses linguistic elements, such as bold keywords and Latino lingo, to create an engaging story that fosters reading skills and promotes cultural understanding and appreciation. This book is a visual delight, with vibrant illustrations that depict the colorful aquatic friends in their beautiful environment. I highly recommend sharing it with your children to teach them the importance of inclusivity and embracing one another's differences.
