Dudley’s Solo

As this blog has started to take off, I’m receiving a few more books to review for you, and it is quite exciting to get a new book that I might not have picked on my own every week or so.  My daughter loves it when the books are children’s books – Dudley’s Solo was no exception.  We opened the package in the car outside of the post office, and she immediately put her current read aside to check out this book.

Dudley’s Solo is by Tiffany Alexander and Illustrated by Jeremiah Carstarphen. It is part of the Children’s Band that includes Ebenezer, Esmerelda, Dezzi, Tito, and Dudley.

As I mentioned, Cameron was reading through Dudley’s Solo before we had even gotten out of the post office parking lot.  Our rule for the children’s books we receive from authors and PR companies is that she has to read them to me so on our trip to her ball game Friday, she read me Dudley’s Solo, and then we discussed the story.

I noticed immediately just glancing over while she read it to me that the colors are super bright throughout the book.  I was anxious to not be driving and able to actually be able to look at them.  I also noticed that the font seemes to be in a bold style that makes the words pop off the pages.

But on to the story.  Dudley is a young man who can’t hear or speak but wishes to be a part of the church’s Children’s Band.  Dudley speaks via sign language which fascinated Cameron as we read since she knows that I teach The Miracle Worker and we’ve watched and discussed Helen Keller almost every spring since she was a toddler (yes, she forgets a lot from year to year).  She didn’t catch it when she read the page to me that first mentions Dudley signing that it meant sign language, but after I pointed it out, she was really excited.

Dudley wished to be like his friends (as you can imagine) and was a little upset over the band’s upcoming performance as he didn’t feel that he really was able to participate.   Once the children realized that he was upset though, they gathered together and formed a plan for Dudley to participate.  On the big day, Dudley had his own solo in the band’s presentation – a solo he signed to the congregation.

If you are looking for a fun story to read – check out Dudley’s Solo.  If you are looking for a story that teaches your children about the power of acceptance and friendship – check out Dudley’s Solo.  You will not be disappointed with the great find.  Oh, and did I mention it only costs $8?