Ezra is a zebra who doesn’t want to be a zebra anymore. He is sore and tired and he doesn’t know any other zebras so he feels lonely too. Instead he wants to be a racehorse because they are big and strong.
One day Ezra comes up with a plan. He paints himself so that his stripes disappear and he looks just like a regular horse. He walks around town and nobody recognises him or notices him. This is just what he has always wanted – not to stand out – but he soon realises that being just like everyone else doesn’t make him happy either.
He sits down with his friend Lindsay the llama and he tells her exactly how he feels. Wise Lindsay explains that the things that make him different are the things which make him special. People love him just the way he is and although it might be tough sometime he should wear his zebra stripes with pride.
This lovely book was written especially for children who are living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare genetic condition with wide-ranging symptoms. However this specific condition isn’t referenced within the story so it could be used to help any child who is struggling with illness, low self esteem, loneliness or a significant life change.
The rhyme flows really well so it’s lovely to read out loud and the illustrations do a great job of bringing to life the emotions Ezra is experiencing.
All proceeds from the sale of this book go to Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, a registered charity which supports and advises those living with EDS.
Buy it now: https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/products/ezras-extraordinary-stripes/