The Princess Panda Tea Party front cover as provided by Loving Healing Press
The Princess Panda Tea Party: A Cerebral Palsy Fairy Tale tells the story of Michelle, a young girl with Cerebral Palsy who lives at an orphanage. Michelle purchases herself a beautiful toy, the Princess Panda. When the orphanage holds a tea party competition for a chance to live with the Queen of England, Michelle, upset over her use of a walker, takes comfort in her new toy. The special toy comes to life to help Michelle harness her inner strengths in time for the tea party competition.
CNS Foundation was lucky enough to get a copy of The Princess Panda Tea Party before it went to press, and we are impressed with the book for a few reasons. All children deserve to have representation in the media. Children learn so much about themselves by seeing other people, that being able to “see” themselves in a fairy tale has a positive purpose. Fairy tales are further one of the first places that children begin learning life lessons, and The Princess Panda Tea Party offers a few valuable life lessons, including being kind and courteous to all and how to encourage anyone to chase after their dreams.
As noted by CNS Foundation Communications and Program Coordinator, Lindsey Wiltse, “All children deserve a story they can picture themselves in, and The Princess Panda Tea Party is that story. This is not only a fairy tale for those with Cerebral Palsy, but also a reminder that everyone, regardless of ability, can harness their own amazing powers.
The Princess Panda Tea Party was written by Jewel Kats, an author who has written nine books with six books focused exclusively on disability. Other works include Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair: An Empowering Fairytale and The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale. Jewel herself has limited use of her legs, and has recently inspired an a character in the well-known Archie comic book series.
Published by Loving Healing Press, “The Princess Panda Tea Party” aligns with their mission of redefining what is possible for healing mind and spirit since 2003.