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Children's Nonfiction Special Needs

My Art, My World

by (author) Rita Winkler

with Mark Winkler & Helen Winkler

Publisher
Second Story Press
Initial publish date
Oct 2021
Category
Special Needs, Painting, Parents
Recommended Age
6 to 9
Recommended Grade
1 to 4
Recommended Reading age
6 to 8
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781772602142
    Publish Date
    Oct 2021
    List Price
    $19.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781772602593
    Publish Date
    Oct 2021
    List Price
    $22.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

Rita: Do we have any boxes?

Mom: Sure, Why do you need a box?

Rita: My teacher says I have to think outside the box!

Approaching her daily life with enthusiasm and humour, Rita rides public transit to her job working at a university coffee shop. She takes yoga and folk dance classes and enjoys drama and music at a day program, and she practices using sign language. In My Art, My World, Rita shows us her love for the world through her great passion: making beautiful and fun works of art.

Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to organizations that enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

About the authors

Rita Winkler is a young woman with Down syndrome. She was born in Calgary, Alberta, and currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her mother Helen. Rita works in the Coffee Shed in New College at the University of Toronto, part of the Common Ground Cooperative, a social purpose enterprise. Rita also attends the Dani-Toronto day program. She is particularly proud of being able to travel to Dani and Coffee Shed independently, using public transit.

In her free time, Rita enjoys social media, listening to music, watching movies, writing newsletter articles, and being with friends and family.

 

Rita Winkler's profile page

Mark Winkler's profile page

Helen Winkler's profile page

Awards

  • Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens, Spring 2022

Editorial Reviews

"[Rita's] wry and cheery voice easily reflects her joyful life."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"A fantastic read for all ages."

Kenora Miner and News

"With a boldness of intent and line, Rita Winkler invites us to meet her and enter her world, one of artistic temperament, not of disability or limitations."

CanLit for Little Canadians

"Rita’s world is vibrant and colourful... By using her art to capture her world, Rita’s creativity helps to destigmatize disability in this joyous celebration of the power of art."

The Globe & Mail

★ "...Winkler’s artistic styles display a sophisticated level of variety. ... For all art bookshelves."

Kirkus Reviews (STARRED)

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