When Charley Met Emma

"As a parent of a child with special needs, I know how important this book is for our community. But what excites me most about Charley and Emma is that it will be read by the families who need it most -- the ones who aren't raising a child with special needs but are raising the children who will be the friends and neighbors and coworkers of people with disabilities. What we need right now is more awareness, empathy and true compassion; and this book has become a beautiful resource to help families talk about these important values when they matter most -- early." --Kelle Hampton, disability advocate, blogger, and author of Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected "When Charley Met Emma invites its young readers into an honest, disarming story about encountering difference. Unlike most stories told about disabilities, Amy Webb uses her first - hand experience as a mother of a special - needs daughter to subvert the traditional "us" and "them" narrative into a story about a boy and girl who are both ordinary and different. This book will play a rare and vital role as we teach our children to build more inclusive spaces where all of us are seen, valued, and celebrated for the difference we bring to it." --Rebekah Taussig, writer, teacher, and special needs advocate "I read this book with tears in my eyes. As a parent of two, I'm deeply grateful for this beautiful story that helps celebrate differences. This book should live on the bookshelf of every child, as they learn to navigate the world with kind hearts and open minds." --Joanna Goddard, creator of "A Cup of Jo" "When gathering parenting tools, there's nothing I find more helpful than seeing a kind and healthy conversation modeled. When Charley Met Emma does just that in such a wonderful and beautiful way. If you and your child have ever encountered someone with a physical difference while out in the world, and not known quite what to say or do, consider this your easy - to - understand handbook. It's a helpful, gentle reminder that yes, we're all a little different, but at the end of the day, we're also all alike." --Gabrielle Blair, creator of "DesignMom" and founder of Alt Summit "I am very pleased to have a much - needed tool to offer parents and my fellow educators that will lead to interesting conversations about disabilities. I am especially excited for children with limb differences or wheelchairs or white canes who will now be able to see themselves represented in a book." --Catherine Boldt, media reviewer at "Captivating Magazine" "When Charley Met Emma brought back a flood of powerful memories of being with my mom and grandma at the park when I was a kid. I believe if we can collectively help show the world the core message of this book, we can show the world anyone is capable of having an amazing life. I'm so happy that the message in this book is getting out to people every day." --Kyle Maynard, ESPY award-winning athlete and author of No Excuses