Siggy's Parade Helping Kids with Disabilities Find Their Strengths

Siggy is a mockingbird with only one wing, but he has learned to march instead of fly and celebrate his unique self. Even though the mean blue jay twins, Vickie and Ickie, tease Siggy for being unable to fly, he’s too busy helping his friends appreciate their own differences to notice. On national "I Like Me!" Day, Siggy stages a parade for all of his friends to celebrate their unique disabilities too! He recruits Ruthie the Raccoon, who uses a shiny wheelchair, Tall Paul, a bear who is taller and skinnier than his brothers, and Penelope Pig, who wears hearing aides in her giant pink ears. With Siggy's help, they each learn to be proud of themselves for who they are and what makes them diverse. The message in this inspiring tale is one of acceptance and understanding and useful tips and suggestions help children learn ways to embrace their own unique selves.

Blanche R. Dudley earned a doctorate of education at West Virginia University. A teacher for over 15 years and the 1985 West Virginia Teacher of the Year, she lives in Reston, VA. John Hazard is a cartoonist and animator whose art has appeared in children’s books and newspapers and on the Nickelodeon network. A graduate of Pratt Institute, John lives in Brooklyn, NY.