The story behind the artwork
A new tender, funny, and meaningful adventure in the world of Ariella and the Enchanted Chromosome.
After Ariella and the Enchanted Chromosome, Ariella returns for a second adventure deep in the savanna, joined by new friends and carrying an essential message: difference should never be something to fear.
Ariella, our brave little lioness, loves singing, laughing, and having fun with all her friends. But one day, she notices Samuel, a young hippopotamus who prefers to stay alone, away from the others.
Yet Samuel shares something very special with Ariella: he too has an enchanted chromosome.
But Samuel is hiding a worry…
He's afraid that the other animals will think his enchanted chromosome is contagious, like a little spark of magic that could be passed on. And most of all, he's afraid that because of this, the others will reject him.
Ariella decides to stand by him and show him he has no reason to hide.
With plenty of warmth, humor, and kindness, the animals of the savanna discover that the enchanted chromosome isn't an illness—it can't be caught and can't be passed on to others. It's simply a little trait that's been there since birth, part of who Samuel is, just as it's part of who Ariella is.
Little by little, Samuel gains confidence. He discovers that he can be loved and accepted exactly as he is… and that he, too, has so many wonderful things to share!
An excellent swimmer and a kung-fu enthusiast, Samuel even has a few splash-tastic surprises in store for his new friends!
### A story that talks about Down syndrome in a whole new way
Through an adventure that's easy for children to relate to, Ariella et le Secret de Samuel gently touches on essential themes: fear of difference, misconceptions, rejection, inclusion, friendship, self-confidence, and acceptance.
The book helps explain an important idea to young readers: you can't "catch" Down syndrome by playing, touching, hugging, or simply being friends with someone who has it.
And behind this story lies a true story of friendship: Samuel is a real person. He has been Miko's heart-brother for more than thirty years and shares with Ariella that very same "enchanted chromosome."
A colorful book filled with warmth, designed to open up conversation with children and instill in them, from a young age, one simple truth:
We are all different, and that's exactly what makes each of us extraordinary. 💛
Ariella et le secret de Samuel · Maria Chetkareva