Mary's Story
Introduction
A child’s world is a wonderful place, and every child needs love, care and appreciation, Mary especially. These short books encourage inclusion and visibility for children with disabilities within their families, churches and wider community. It is also my hope that Mary's story will help you and your family discover true life, love, hope and faith in God.
The Purpose of These Books
This collection was created from needing a children’s companion to “Faith in the Shadows: The Other Side of the Fence” (see page here). The goal is to support families, caregivers, friends, teachers, and siblings of children with disabilities, helping them learn about disability, faith, God, and love together.
Why Two Books?
Reading Mary’s Story Book to your children while they colour in Mary’s Colouring Book invites them on a journey of discovery. This shared experience helps them understand and embrace God’s love for people with disabilities.
Extracts
Mary’s Storybook
“Yet, with all her many disabilities, late-night emergencies, and days in the hospital, Mary enjoys life. Yes, it is a life different from most people, but it is still full of love, joy, and hope.” (page 1)
Mary’s Colouring Book
“When God made Mary, He gave her a ‘soul’ that lives inside her just like you and me, (Genesis 2:7). It is where Mary thinks and feels, just like you and me.” (page 12)
Endorsements
Why I Recommend Mary’s Story Books
I sincerely recommend “Mary’s Story Book” and “Mary’s Colouring Book” to families and caregivers and all those involved in education, who may be seeking to encourage compassion and inclusivity in the present generations of parents and children, and those of the future. These books not only address the realities of children with disabilities with openness and hope, but they also contain a message of faith that embraces all people, regardless of ability.
Here are some reasons why these books stand out:
The books use age-appropriate, accessible language to describe disability, love and faith in ways that are relatable to young readers.
The books combine reading and colouring, and so engage children on multiple levels, making learning memorable and meaningful.
Each book includes spiritual truths in the narrative, helping families to explore God’s love for all people.
These books are designed to be shared, discussed, and to foster a whole community culture of acceptance and understanding of people with disabilities.
The stories affirm that every life, no matter how challenging, can be filled with joy, hope, and love.
Francesca Maillé
BA M. (English), Grad Dip. E, Grad Dip Applied Language,
English teacher at Griffith University, Mt Gravatt - 1988 to 1990
English teacher at TAFE QLD - 1991 to 1995
Foreign Language teacher with ED QLD - 1996 to 2005