The Push

"In an ordinary town,
in an ordinary house,
there lived a boy named John.

But he was different from the other kids in town."

The first words of the book titled "The Push - A Story of Friendship" by Patrick Gray.

I was totally enchanted with this heartwarming story about friendship. Not just an ordinary friendship. A special bond that develops between two boys. One that will teach children about discovering how to love those who are different. And what true friendship is really about.

What is so beautiful about this story is that it is based on a true life friendship. One between the author, Patrick Gray and his best friend, illustrator, Justin Skeesuck. Justin's life and career came crashing down when he developed a neuromuscular disease called Multifocal Acquired Motor Axonopathy. He could no longer use his hands to paint.  When Patrick wrote this story, he knew he wanted the illustration to be the same style Justin would have painted. The two of them discovered an artist, Matthew Waresak, who captured Justin's style .

This beautifully illustrated children's book will be an asset in teaching kids how to draw good from everyone we meet. A lesson in putting the needs of others before our own. Learning to extend the hand of friendship to those who may be different.

There is also a grown up version called "I'll Push You". The story about Justin and Patrick's' real life friendship.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.