Andrew Olshine has Down syndrome, but Down syndrome does not necessarily have him.
He’s a human being who loves to read, write, and research anything about animals. In his book, Olshine talks about how he manages life with Down syndrome and some of the challenges he has faced. He also talks about how his favorite animals have helped him know how to live a great life. He wants the people who read his book (young people and those with youthful hearts) to know Jesus as his superhero and “senior protector.” Through 50 short, journal-like, chapters, he calls readers to live like Jesus did, with bravery and fearlessness.
The book shines with creativity and positivity in every chapter or entry as Olshine introduces readers to honey badgers, wolverines, sharks, and a host of other creatures within the animal kingdom. Each entry points back to the main idea of living fearlessly in a world filled with fears.
Olshine does not tell readers they will not have fears; he helps readers face the reality of their fears and anxieties with humor, warmth, and biblical insight. He highlights a useful contrast between what it means to fear and honor God as creator and what it looks like to confront our fears and worries in everyday life. He enlists help from his dad, a college professor, when he needs to define important terms, ideas, and illustrations that will help others grasp his points.
I found this book engaging and accessible as a coffee-table read or short family devotional. Each of the fears and worries the Olshines mention in their book is relatable to human life in some way: fear of loneliness, fear of taking risks, fear of failure, etc. In discussing the multiple fears, phobias, and worries that readers have, the Olshines point people back to Jesus and his Word.
Every chapter in the book has a “hot take” box that emphasizes a main idea, asks a meaningful question, and includes a short prayer. The book is not intended to be read all in one sitting. It is formatted to be read a few minutes each day and is the type of book that can be referenced again and again as needed. It has 50 full-color photos of animals and helpful quotes pulled from popular media sources, such as Barney Fife, Despicable Me, and Winnie the Pooh, which make it relevant and pleasant to read. (Core Media Group)