When Down is UP

Liam has Down Syndrome, and his scruffy dog Milo is his best—and only—friend.

When the neighborhood kids don’t want Liam to play ball with them, he spots his catcher’s mitt under the bed—and gets a bright idea. Can you guess what it is?

Peek inside to find out. I bet you’ll be surprised.

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This delightful story concludes with two thoughtful teaching pages designed to spark meaningful conversation with children about Down syndrome and the upside of inclusion. Children will, in simple terms…

· Discover what Down syndrome is.

· Learn to understand and accept others who look and act differently.

· Be inspired to lend a hand and offer words of encouragement and support to others.

Starr Ayers is a third-generation artist and award-winning author of women’s fiction. When Down is UP is her first children’s book. Liam’s story springs from Starr’s personal experiences with individuals with special needs. She and her husband live in North Carolina and have two adult daughters and a son-in-love. Their youngest child, Ashley, who has Down syndrome, keeps them “forever young.”