We'll Paint the Octopus Red (1998)

We'll Paint the Octopus Red
Written by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
Illustrated by Pam DeVito

Many disability-related children's books describe what it may be like to grow up with a disability or what it may be like to have a parent with a disability, but not many books are told from the perspective of an able-bodied sibling.  Being a young boy or girl and having a new sibling with a severe disability will take time getting used to.  It will take time learning that your new brother or sister may need more help, it will take time learning that he or she may need more of Mommy and Daddy's attention, and it will take time learning that he or she may not always be able to do the same things as other people.  When I came across Stuve-Bodeen (1998) book, We'll Paint the Octopus Red, I was so happy to read an inclusive disability-related story told from the perspective of a young sibling.  The book is about a six-year-old girl named Emma who learns that her new baby brother has Down syndrome.  Using the criteria put forth by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, I quickly learned that this book definitely represents disability in a positive light.

1. What is the focus of the book? 

The focus of the book is on little Emma's anticipation for her new baby brother or sister.    When Emma finds out that she will have a new sibling, she imagines all the things that they will do together: go to Grandpa's farm to feed the calves, ride in the back of the mini-van making faces at the cars that go by, fly on airplanes, and even go to Africa on a safari to see elephants and rhinos.  When Emma's father informs her that her new baby brother, Isaac, will have something called Down syndrome, Emma begins to worry that she will not be able to do all of the fun activities that she anxiously awaits.  Her father, however, quickly assures her that Isaac will be able to do everything she can, but at a slower pace and with some assistance.  Thus, the focus of the book is not on Isaac's disability, but rather Emma's anticipation to engage in a variety of activities with her new sibling.    

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes, all of the settings appear to be inclusive because none of the characters are physically disabled.  

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Yes, all characters are portrayed in valued roles.  Despite baby Isaac's disability, he is described as someone who can do anything any other child can do (e.g. go to Grandpa's farm to feed the calves, ride in the back of the mini-van and make faces).  The only difference, as described by Emma and Isaac's father, is that baby Isaac may need more help and that he may do things at a slower pace.  He is still perceived as an active and contributing individual that can participate in all activities that other able-bodied children can.    

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

Yes, Emma and Isaac's father describe baby Isaac's condition as "Down syndrome," which is not considered to be offensive since it is a medical term.  Six-year-old Emma refers to baby Isaac's condition as the "Down thing," but it is evident that this was intentional to show little Emma's confusion as to what Down syndrome is.  

Using the criteria above, one can see how We'll Paint the Octopus Red is indeed an inclusive children's book.  It shows how a parent can describe a disability to a child in a positive way.  It is crucial to provide children with a positive image of disability at a young age in order to allow them to grow perceiving all individuals as special and equal to one another.  What I particularly like about this book is the questions and answers section at the end of the story.  Stuve-Bodeen offers a variety of questions about Down syndrome that children may ask their parents, and she provides answers to these questions in child-friendly language.  I would definitely recommend this book for individuals wanting an inclusive story told from the perspective of an able-bodied sibling, and those wanting a story specifically about Down syndrome.  

Useful Question and Answer Section 

in We'll Paint the Octopus Red