A great book for raising the issue of hearing-impairment and the strategies for helping the hearing-impaired. ( )

I like this book for 4 reasons. First, the book is written in rhyme, making it fun and enjoyable for children to read. For example, the fairy in the story introduces herself by saying, “My name is Bessie-Belle. I’ll grant you all your wishes though I can’t hear very well.” Second, the book is funny when the things that Freddie wishes for are turned into something wilder. Children become engaged in the story, anticipating what the fairy could possibly conjure up based on what Freddie asked for. Third, the illustrations in this book are fun, colorful, and cute. The illustrator draws with a very different style, using a lot of scribbles and catching children’s eyes. Fourth, the book provides three “rules” for children to follow in order to help people with hearing impairments hear and better understand what they say. It depicts Freddie hurting the fairy’s feelings when he becomes impatient, saying, “’Forgive me,’ said the fairy and a tear rolled down her cheek.” This really makes children see the effect of Freddie’s impatience on the fairy and teaches them that patience is key. When the Fairy Queen comes to teach Freddie the three rules, it is stated, “she sounded kind but stern,” making it clear that Freddie is not in trouble, but must learn a valuable lesson. The three rules are then shown both through the author’s writing and the illustrator’s drawings, teaching children not to mumble, not to turn away, and not to cover their mouths when they speak. The central message of this story is that it is important to be patient with others and to teach children how to better communicate with people who have hearing impairments. ( )

Freddie earns some fairy wishes but has difficulty communicating with the hearing impaired fairy. Incorporates some deaf awareness strategies.