Since 1977, ``Helping Hands'' has been training capuchin monkeys as assistants to quadriplegics. Briefly summarizing the program's genesis as the idea of psychologist Dr. Mary Joan Willard, Haldane describes the monkeys' upbringing (they spend four years in a foster home before formal training begins), their education, and their capabilities (they can not only fetch small objects but perform more complex tasks like inserting computer discs). Much of the book is devoted to the monkey Willie and her introduction to Greg, a teenager whose quadriplegia is the result of a diving accident. In addition to detailing the ways Willie aids Greg, Haldane points out how great the emotional support of such animal friends can be, and how their presence can also lead to approaches by people who might otherwise hesitate to speak to someone in a wheelchair. The many b&w photos effectively convey the range of Willie's help and the appeal of the intelligent, mischievous, hard-working capuchins. An excellent report on a relatively new program. (Nonfiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-525-44723-7
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1991
BOOK REVIEW
A well-known author of nature books considers different kinds of squirrels, how they behave, and what they look like; the book includes many indifferent b&w photos and a slightly easier text than Bare's Tree Squirrels (1983). Overall, Bare's book is superior: unlike Schlein's, it gives scientific names for the squirrels described, and it has a more extensive index and clearer, more interesting photos. Schlein's is acceptable as an additional purchase. Brief bibliography; index. (Nonfiction. 8-10)
Pub Date: March 30, 1992
ISBN: 0-06-022753-2
Page Count: 64
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1992
Imagine having a parent who is deaf, blind, mobility impaired, or an achondroplastic dwarf. Physically challenged adults and their families share their experiences in these brief chapters, providing surprisingly detailed information on the origin of their disabilities, everyday routines, and special adaptive equipment like the Braille stylus, cars outfitted with hand controls, and captioned TV. While family members do express their frustrations, the overall tone here is upbeat and positive. As sixth grader Lisa Kavanaugh comments about life with her blind father, ``People always say, aren't we wonderful when we go shopping, ride bicycles, and hurry through crowds. They don't realize we're just living.'' Frequent quotes and many b&w photos capture the flavor of each family. An excellent introduction to what it means to live with someone who is physically challenged. (Nonfiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-8075-7559-3
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Whitman
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1991
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