It is technically a good book. The illustrations are wonderful; simple but also detailed. The author managed to give a slice-of-life glimpse into Capucine's life, without it just being about her disability. 

 

She's not very good in school, but very observant of the world. I love her ability to see people's emotions behind their "mask". Like, she can always tell whenever someone's sad, even though they're pretending everything's fine on the outside. 

I love the drawings from her perspective especially too! Gives a better image of what she sees. 

 

I'm not very familiar with trisomies, so I can't tell how accurate that was, but still makes for a sweet story. Actually, I do have a very distant cousin with down syndrome, but unfortunately haven't seen the family for a decade... I wonder how they are. Gotta ask my mother. 

 

It's a bit disappointing that Capucine doesn't have the outer characteristics of trisomy 21. Sure, better for her, but there are already barely any books with down syndrome rep (as far as I know), so... I looked it up, and it says that under 2% of people with trisomy 21 can have it without the physical characteristics, which usually is called mosaic down syndrome. The author however didn't use that term, making me wonder whether he did proper research or didn't want her to look like that? 

 

And it's very old-fashioned. Not sure in which year exactly it plays, but the characters give 60s vibes. For example, the parents were upset over Capucine using knife and fork with the different hand (hinting that she may be left-handed). They keep telling her or mentioning it in front of her that she's "retarded". I'm aware that people still use this term nowadays, but... 

 

This is a short story series that spans over all seasons. This one, spring, ended quite abruptly, which definitely makes me want to continue, simply to see what will happen. 

Overall I'm not that eager though, cause the Dad's been a nuisance, pouring all his pessimism onto the reader. 

At least Capucine's chapters are colorful and warm, and the mom also tries her best, but you can see she needs some rest. The grandparents seem lovely so far. 

 

I'm just hoping for the best for her. 

 

That one scene made me sad though: 

"I won't be able to draw you anymore. Everyone will think that I'm making progress. I don't like it. But I'll never forget you, you know?" 

Not me getting flashbacks from Inside Out's "bing-bong goodbye scene"… Let a kid draw their imaginary friend in peace, please. 

 

-25.07.24