UPDATE: I’m just using this every year and adding stuff as I see it. If you have any ideas, let me know!
It’s that time once again to spend money on the people we love!
Or we got someone’s name in an exchange and have to get them something.
Either way, it’s time for the FIRST ANNUAL, WHICH I BELIEVE IS ACTUALLY THE INAUGURAL…
LIVING ONE-HANDED HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!
Here’s a bunch of cool stuff I found that’s super sweet for one-handers, but is ALSO uber-convenient for those of the standard two-handed limb configuration!
First of all, I’d be a terrible author if I didn’t suggest Different Is Awesome!, a book for all children that teaches acceptance and celebration of differences! The story is engaging and the illustrations are bright and fun! A perfect present for that little one on your list! (If you want a signed copy, email me directly! ryan@livingonehanded.com)
Erin is an elementary school teacher and she had just read a book called Harry and Willy and Carrothead with one of her students. She thought I would like it.
She was right.
When I saw her text, I was like, “How have I not heard of this book?!” Well, author and illustrator Judith Caseley wrote Harry and Willy and Carrothead back in 1991, so I was fourteen at the time. Mystery solved. Briefly, the book is about a boy, Harry, who was born with one hand, just like me. His friend, Oscar, has red hair and Willy decides to tease him about it. The cover kind of gives away how things turn out. I love it. In fact, I read it again to my kids and some of my nephews at Thanksgiving and they all sat in rapt attention, smiles on their faces.
Shortly after I got the book for myself, I “pulled a Ryan” and emailed Judith to tell her how much I loved it. She replied soon after and we have since become friends, which is incredible. A couple months ago she graciously agreed to be interviewed and I’ve finally finished editing our conversation!
This podcast is a little different than the others I’ve done in that, it’s more of an actual conversation. Much of it was, frankly, only interesting to me, so I’ve edited it down to the parts I think will interest you! She tells about the inspiration for Harry’s story, her experience with people with disabilities and some about writing good stories. She’s awesome and I think you’ll love it!
With the holidays coming, Harry and Willy and Carrothead is a PERFECT gift for kids or your kids’ school or your public library…the list goes on and on. 🙂
