Rasha Kawar is a Texas native and advocate for the disability community. She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy before she turned two. As a member of the disability community, she has overcome many challenges in her life. In 2024 she earned her BA in communications from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is passionate about improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
The author draws on her personal experience to tell a kid-friendly, entertaining, multi-layered story, with the overarching message that disabilities should not define anyone nor preclude them from contributing to their community. Using human characters and their pets, she helps children acknowledge physical and emotional challenges while demonstrating that these need not be limiting. The story teaches children self-acceptance and inclusiveness by encouraging them to accept others. The book explores the relatable themes of moving to a new place, attending a new school, and making new friends, capturing the excitement of exploring new places while acknowledging the anxiety this can cause. Social-emotional lessons, such as empathy, generosity, perseverance, friendship, and problem-solving, are introduced as the reader joins the cast of characters on an adventure-filled day.
At first glance, you may think The Princess and the Stools is a typical folk story. However, the reader will soon discover that this story turns the everyday fairytale on its head. Yes, there is a villain – the troll – but he is not out to harm anyone. And of course, there is the prerequisite princess who is beautiful, magical, and kind, but she is not looking for a prince to live happily ever after with. Sure, there is a handsome, brave knight, but he is tiny, not big and strapping.
