JANA'S BRIGHTLY COLOURED SOCKS

A girl with Down syndrome shares her socks with her friends, who celebrate her in turn, in this friendship-focused picture book.

Young Jana has just learned how to put on her socks by herself. To celebrate, her parents have given her several pairs of brightly colored socks: “Some had stars and rainbows. Others had butterflies, and some had pompoms.” Jana decides to share her extra pairs with her friends at school, who like them just as much as she does. The teacher then announces a sock parade that ends with a surprise bouncy castle, where a present from all of Jana’s friends waits for her: new socks. Inspired by the Lots of Socks campaign to raise awareness about Down syndrome, the story centers on celebrating differences and on how sharing can make the world a happier place. Author Fetouh and illustrator Schnitger each parent a child with Down syndrome. The syndrome itself isn’t mentioned in the accessible main text; Jana is described as speaking less and being slower than her peers, and the story truly shines in its focus on inclusion. Schnitger’s watercolor cartoon illustrations feature diverse children, including one who uses a wheelchair.

An inclusive, conflict-light tale that highlights kindness.