Eyes Different Than Mine
by Erin Johnson

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A six-year-old girl gets a new baby brother. She marvels at his tiny fingers and notices the palm of his hand has different lines than hers. She looks into his sparkling eyes and notices they are a different shape than hers. She is delighted by the shape of his feet. Her brother has Down syndrome, and the family receives him with joy and love. Sister and brother grow up to be best friends, and this book traces their relationship from childhood to adulthood. Themes of acceptance, inclusion, and identity are woven into this beautiful story that acknowledges and celebrates the realities that are unique to a family with a child with Down syndrome. At the heart of the story is the strong bond between the siblings, highlighting the gifts they each bring to the relationship.

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“Eyes Different Than Mine is the kind of story I look forward to reading to my kids time and time again. A book for everyone’s book shelf.” —Heather Avis, Author of The Lucky Few "I love the messaging and innocent humor of a sibling's voice. This story will open people’s eyes to the beautiful differences in children with Down syndrome and hopefully open people’s hearts to embrace differences and treat all with kindness. Bravo to an amazing big sister!" —Nancy Gianni, Chief Belief Officer, GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers "Such a sweet and endearing book! I see the relationship between her and her brother in my own two girls and it makes my heart so happy!" —Liz Plachta, Co-Founder, Executive Director at Ruby's Rainbow "Erin Johnson simply and eloquently describes for children her special relationship with her brother with Down syndrome. Her words can help young siblings find a voice for their own special relationship and provide them an important connection to others who have a sibling with a disability." —Brian Chicoine, MD Medical Director, Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center

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Erin is a special education teacher and disability advocate who enjoys writing to share her heart. Erin’s younger brother, Matthew, has what she calls the gift of Down syndrome. Erin wrote this book in Matthew’s honor with the hope that it would encourage other young siblings of a child with a disability to feel understood and embrace their special role. Growing up with Matthew, and continuing their friendship in adulthood, has brought Erin so many cherished memories, and she loves sharing the gift that her brother has been to her and countless others. Today, Erin lives with her husband and two children in Holland, Michigan. Her family is waiting on the adoption of their third child, a teenager with Down syndrome. They receive frequent visits from Matthew, as he has fully assumed the role of uncle and can’t stand being away from his niece and nephew for too long. He and Erin continue to be best friends. Isabella is Kalamazoo-based artist. She grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago with her three siblings and parents. Isabella has always had a passion and love for the arts, and she was honored when asked to illustrate Erin and Matthew’s story. Currently, Isabella is married to her husband, and they have two kids. Isabella is a stayat-home mom who runs an Etsy shop on the side. When she is not busy creating, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling to warm places, and running!

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Contributors

Author

Erin Johnson

Illustrator

Isabella Muzljakovich

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Other eBook Editions

This book is also available in eBook format from these sites.

• Amazon Kindle Store
• Apple Books
• Google Play