What's Inside You Is Inside Me, Too: My Chromosomes Make Me Unique

by Deslie Quinby, Jeannie Visootsak, Michael J. Johnson (Illustrations)

Every child, every person, every living thing is unique, in big part, due to chromosomes. Children with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome. this book informs people about Down syndrome in a fun illustrative way. In the process, it also explains chromosomes and their role in making every living thing special. A valuable tool for educators, siblings, individuals with Down syndrome, advocates and for those innately curious.

Genres: Picture Books

28 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2014

About the author

When my son JC went into the public school system at age three there were limited materials available that I could bring into a classroom that would help me to educate students (and teachers alike) about Down syndrome, chromosomes and why my son was just a little bit different. With that goal in mind, I wrote this first book, “What’s Inside You Is Inside Me, Too.” Since publication, thousands of copies have been sold to those looking for a fun educational way teach people about Down syndrome.

I have read it to both of my children's classrooms and am always amazed at the questions and conversations of inquisitive children. Hands shoot up in the air and time after time I have hear "I have an Uncle who has ...." or "I always wondered why my eyes were brown, do chromosomes also make my ...." I'm hopeful that you will have a similar experience and that you can use this book as a tool for years to come.

As our son grew older, we realized that his future was going to be pretty great and that he had this amazing imagination. He especially loved super heroes and monsters (especially Godzilla), but I couldn’t find any books though where the hero had Down syndrome, and that is how K.C. Carrington was born. K.C. faces monsters and fears and makes new friends in every adventure. These books are not about Down syndrome per se. They are simple about a hero, and that hero, happens to have Down syndrome. We hope you will join K.C.'s journey's starting with "K.C.'s Flying Pirate Ship"

Reviews

[Gennypher Popenhagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a great way to explain to young children what Down Syndrome is and what it is like to have Down Syndrome. It breaks it down in a very kids friendly way and explains that everyone is different and it is okay to be different. I really enjoyed this book and that someone was able to explain why others might look different than them and what exactly Down Syndrome is.

[Abby Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It is a very unique story in the best way possible. It shows kids that being different is a good thing and then children with special needs should be treated as equals. It is a super cute book and has such a good message while still managing to be in kid friendly language. I would definitely recommend this to be read to all children to keep them informed at a young age.

[Julia Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and kid-friendly!

What a beautiful way to explain Down syndrome in a way that kids of all ages can understand! I have been looking high and low for a book to donate to my child’s classroom describing Down syndrome and I finally found it!! I especially love the information at the end. I believe educators reading it will understand my daughter so much more!

[Gabriella Nay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally loved this book!! It teaches about down-syndrome in a way that is understandable and still able to bring a healthy light to those with disabilities. I think that this book is perfect for younger classrooms because it is so picture based.

[Amy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, easy to understand description of children with Down Syndrome. My students and I enjoyed it very much, and learned something new.