Examining Characteristics of Outstanding Picture books about People with Disabilities: Focusing on I talk like a river

Objectives The purpose of the study is to re-examine the selection criteria for outstanding picture books about people with disabilities, which were suggested by the previous studies, and make suggestions for a revision. Methods The multiple award-winning picture book, I talk like a river was selected for the study and was analyzed. To analyze this picture book, the researchers made codes based on previous studies that examined characteristics of outstanding books about people with disabilities. After the analysis, the researchers discussed what could be added to the previous studies’ findings. Results This study found that, as suggested in the previous studies, In I talk like a river, the main character, who is a boy with a disability, described his daily life from his point of view. His story was described with text and illustrations, which drew readers’ empathy for the main character. However, unlike the previous studies’ findings, I talk like a river did not show how people without disabilities change their perspectives on people with disabilities. In addition, it showed a person with a disability changed his perception of his disability regardless of other people who do not have disabilities changed their perceptions or attitudes towards people with disabilities. Conclusions This study shows that even though a book does not show people without disabilities accept people with disabilities as one of them, it can be considered an outstanding book about people with disabilities. Such a characteristic we found in this study could be added to the characteristics of outstanding picture books about people with disabilities and considered when selecting books.