Happy again

PreS-K--Plohl's latest semi-autobiographical picture book presents a very simple version of the story of how he was injured and became a wheelchair user. With only one or two sentences on each page, readers see Lucas the Lion go from being happy before his injury to being sad that he cannot walk anymore. He discovers new ways of doing things, gets adaptive equipment to help him be independent, and finds love--all of which help him to be happy again. Photographs of the author doing many of the same tasks that Lucas the Lion does in the book will make the story real to young readers and may open a discussion about adaptive sports, accessibility, and other important topics around disability. The book is positive without being saccharine. It addresses some myths about people with disabilities--that disabled people can't find or aren't interested in romantic love, for example--in a simple and factual way. VERDICT A much-needed book that humanizes the experience of becoming disabled in a gentle way and appropriate for young children.--Mindy Rhiger

An anthropomorphic lion, based on the author himself, adjusts to becoming paraplegic. With short, simple sentences, translated from Slovenian, Plohl introduces beginning readers to the character first seen in his picture book Lucas Makes a Comeback (2021). At first, "Lucas is a happy lion," his arms outstretched, his house and bicycle in the background. But after Lucas falls from a ladder, "he cannot walk anymore. Lucas is sad." As a frowning Lucas imagines cycling, driving, and skiing, the author asks, "Can Lucas be happy again?" Fortunately, life improves: Lucas "learns new ways to do things," such as ironing. He uses a low sink and gets help with housekeeping. He gets a hand-powered bike, and his friends give him a "special car," presumably with hand controls. Though being a teacher makes him smile and playing wheelchair basketball makes him cheer, he's only "almost happy again." What's missing? As Lucas and another lion tenderly hold paws, the author explains, "He needs someone to love. Now he is happy again." The matter-of-fact text and Šonc's bright, appealingly childlike cartoon illustrations reassure readers that adaptations and support make it possible to thrive with a disability. However, the ending, though sweet, risks implying that truly being happy after becoming disabled requires a romantic relationship. Color photos of Slovenian author Plohl performing everyday activities conclude the tale. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An upbeat introduction to coping with a disability. (Early reader. 5-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.