What do you do when someone you know writes a book? You read it and write a book review of course!
Although I received this book as a gift, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I was so excited when I first heard about the picture book, "I'm Unvaccinated and That's OK!" written by Dr. Shannon Kroner and Illustrated by Manfred Calderón. I was thrilled to receive an advance copy to review and share with Macaroni Families, the book is now out and available on Dr. Shannon Kroner's website and from major booksellers.
Prior to sharing about the book itself, I believe it is essential to provide some backstory about the author, Dr. Shannon Kroner, whom I have the privilege of knowing personally. Dr. Kroner, a local mother, has taken her career and her dedication to helping and advocating for children to remarkable heights. A long-time advocate for children whose passion only intensified after embracing motherhood as she tapped into her inner mama bear.
Alongside her dedication to children, Dr. Shannon Kroner founded a non-profit organization called FOR-US: Freedom of Religion - United Solutions. This organization aims to advocate, support, preserve, and protect religious freedom in the context of vaccine choice by uniting faith leaders from diverse religious backgrounds under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It's an ambitious undertaking, highlighting her passion and commitment.
Here at Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas, we value and celebrate diversity, which extends beyond simplistic categorizations. It includes the choices we make as individuals and parents. Regardless of the decisions made by different families, it's essential to respect their choices. By seeking knowledge and educating ourselves, we help foster that respect.
It's worth noting that even families who make similar choices may do so for varying reasons, and that's perfectly OK. This aligns with the message shared in Dr. Kroner's book, "I'm Unvaccinated and That's OK!" As parents, grandparents, and caregivers we have a responsibility to educate our children about various kinds of diversity, including diverse choices. This book serves as an excellent tool to facilitate those discussions. Ultimately, every parent shares the same fundamental desire: for their children to be happy and healthy.
Although "I'm Unvaccinated and That's OK!" is a picture book, it's not just for kids. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I have to give a shout-out the the illustrator, Manfred Calderón. You can't have a picture book without pictures and being very much a visual person myself the artwork is equally as important as the words. It's essential for a picture book to convey the story without words and Mr. Calderón accomplished precisely that with his remarkable illustrations. The book is also an important resource filled with helpful information for grown-ups.
"I'm Unvaccinated and That's OK!" tells a heartwarming story about a boy named Nicholas as he shares the reasons behind his parents' decision not to vaccinate him. It delves into his unique experiences of having a sister who was injured by her vaccinations and lives with autism. The book also sheds light on Nicholas' homeschooling journey and provides a glimpse into his daily life. With its broad range of topics, this book offers an engaging read for families, regardless of the choices they make. It invites readers to embrace diverse perspectives and encourages understanding and acceptance among all.
I highly recommend reading "I'm Unvaccinated and That's OK!" with your child or children. For younger kids, read it aloud to them, while older children can take turns reading it to you. This book can serve as an excellent starting point for meaningful discussions. Encourage your children to ask questions and actively engage with the content. The book introduces terms that may be unfamiliar to both children and some parents. However, there's no need to worry, as Dr. Kroner has included a comprehensive glossary at the end. This valuable resource defines keywords and terms, ensuring that young readers and even parents can fully grasp the concepts presented. Utilize this glossary to enhance comprehension and expand your family's understanding of the topic.
If "I'm Unvaccinated and That's OK!" sparks your curiosity and leaves you wanting to learn more (which it undoubtedly will), Dr. Kroner has you covered. The book provides a full page packed with valuable resources and recommendations for adults to delve deeper into the topics discussed. From suggested websites to explore, books to read, and movies to watch, Dr. Kroner ensures that this book extends its reach beyond children. It's a valuable resource for readers of all ages, encouraging further exploration and understanding. This book is a must-have for any family - diversify your home library.
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