Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Ekaete Bruno]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Growing up, we always saw children with various ailments, Down syndrome or even Turner syndrome. We'd always pray against it and pity the kids with such disorders, and I bet the kids would always feel that they were being pitied. Donny, in this book, was very different from these kids.

Donny Miller is a five-year-old boy with Down syndrome who went on a family hangout in the zoo with his family, his ten-year-old sister Mary Grace Miller, and their parents, but Donny goes missing, and his whole family is worried. What happens next?

Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is a 182-page fiction children's book with 17 chapters written by Catherine A. Pepe. Many might see this book as a typical children's book, but it transcends it, and everyone gets to learn a thing or two from this beautiful story, and that's one of the things I like about the book. The most striking thing in this book was how Donny's character was built. You don't see many Down syndrome kids with such an attitude towards life. He was always happy and never sought pity from people because of his condition, which is worth emulating.

Another thing I liked about this story was the determination of the parents to achieve their goals and missions in life. They had to leave Wichita with their kids and drop them off with their grandparents so that they could travel on a missionary trip to Africa. Only a few parents are willing to risk leaving their children in trusted care and going off on trips that would benefit them or take advantage of life-changing opportunities. Most of them use their kids as excuses. They could learn from Donny's parents.

I did not dislike anything in this book. I rate it five out of five stars because I learned much about parenting and how to care for children in this book. Furthermore, I found no errors, which means it was exceptionally well-edited. Likewise, I recommend this book to little kids, as it would help expand their knowledge of loving themselves no matter the issue.

******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Uche Active]

I have also read Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures and I concur with the reviewer's opinion. This is an educational book. Thanks for an amazing review.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I love how you wrote a beautiful review of this book. Like you, Ekaete, I've seen plenty of positive aspects of this book, such as treating disordered kids as normal kids. I enjoyed the well-developed characters in this book. Catherine projects it effectively! Your review is awesome!

[Olivia Reads]

Reading that one of the major characters has a disability really piqued my interest to read this book. I hope to read it soon.

[Jesse Shon Voyamba]

A child with down syndrome getting lost in a park is something that can make devastated the parents. This children's book needs to be read by everyone irrespective of age.

[Oluebube Prisca]

I just finished this book and I must say the concept is really impressive. Making a children's book based on a child with disability is really awesome as I believe kid should be exposed to sure things early.

[Mercy Udeokeke]

Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures sounds like a heartwarming story. I love how Donny’s family cared for and loved him despite his condition. Great review.

[Sarah Kate Smith]

I know life might have been a bit harsh for Donny because of his condition, which might attract bullies, but I love the fact that he kept a positive attitude towards life.

[Park Cherri]

I’ve read this children’s storybook and I’ll say your review is on point. I appreciate the author’s effort in making this novel to educate people about Down syndrome.

[Kene Active]

I guess Donny's life was a really different despite his condition. A child with that condition lost in a park but be really devastating for his family members. I must commend the author for an accommodating book like this, and likewise the reviewer for a well-written review.

[Hyfr Zack]

I just recently read this book and I enjoyed every part of it. It was emotional reading about Donny. He was a sweet boy and also kind. I hope to read more books like this.

[Mozi Ken]

Donny and Mary are exemplary kids that children should imitate. Donny did not let his circumstance hamper his enjoyment of life to the full, and Mary was a good sister. Good review.