Ebeneezer’s Cousin
by Kristen K. Zajac
illustrated by Jennifer
Houdeshell
Kristen Zajac’s story book, “Ebeneezer’s Cousin,” illustrated by Jennifer Houdeshell, is a
wonderful book to help children learn about and understand how injured military
members and their families cope with disabilities. Maria’s military dad
traveled all over the world and brought things back from his travels. Maria smiled
as she shared her treasures with her classmates on show and tell days. She also
shared pictures of her, Ebeneezer, her stuffed monkey, and her dad.Later Maria let her dad take Ebeneezer on his travels so her
dad wouldn’t be alone.
After her dad was severely wounded, Maria’s smile
disappeared. The whole family had to learn how to live with her dad’s
disabilities. Ebenezeer still made her dad smile. The uplifting ending shows us
another way to deal with disabilities. Sometimes we all just need a special
helper.
The illustrations by Jennifer Houdeshell are as warm and
uplifting as the story. They clearly show the characters’ emotions and
ethnicity. This is truly a multicultural story with international appeal. The
subject matter of military families having to deal with injuries sustained in
defense of freedom is inspirational, timely, and timeless.
“Ebeneezer’s Cousin”
is highly recommended for ages 8-10. Parents and teachers can use this story book to
discuss how families deal with separation, hardship, and disabilities. It is
also available in Spanish, “El primo de
Ebeneezer.”
Information on author Kristen Zajac is at www.kristenzajac.com.
Information on artist Jennifer Houdeshell is as http://www.zhibit.org/Jenniferhoudeshellartist.
Reviewed by:
Penelope Anne
Cole
Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea
and Mágico Mateo (Spanish)
Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea
and Mágico Mateo (Spanish)
New: Magical Mea Goes
to School
For Halloween: Ten
Little Tricksters
Web: http://www.penelopeannecole.com/
Web: http://www.penelopeannecole.com/
Tags: Kristen Zajac, Ebeneezer's Cousin, Jennifer Thomas Houdeshell, military service, disabilities, family, Maria, monkeys, helpers, assistance animals, school, show and tell, helping, hardship meeting needs.
