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You are now entering the world of my thoughts.

This blog is my diary of works in progress. The only way a writer can improve upon her skill is to practice, practice and practice some more. Here, in this place of quiet peace, I pen to paper my thoughts and creativity. Welcome to my world.

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Friday, April 13, 2012

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book


Title: Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book 

Author: Celeste Shally 

Illustrator: David Harrington

Publisher: Awaken Specialty Press, September 1, 2007

Topic/Theme: Autism, Friendship, Acceptance, Special Needs

Ages: 3-8

Opening: It's finally summer vacation! It's going to be perfect because I'm going to hang out with my friend Matt who lives across the street.

Summary: Since We're Friends is about two boys. One has autism, the other does not. The story of their relationship provides practical examples of how to make such a friendship work. It will help children see that their peers with autism can make a fun, genuine contribution to friendship. 

Resources:
What is Autism? Here are ten facts about autism.
KidsHealth is a wonderful site that explains Autism to children using simple language and facts. Autism Speaks is another site with great resources for people with autism including apps. Check out Oliver's Guide to Autism, a very cute and informative way to learn about autism from a young boy name Oliver who has autism.


Why I like this book:
I love this book! I have a sibling with autism. Naeem, my oldest brother, was diagnosed with autism when he was three years of age. I love this book because it helps children and siblings with understanding and learning how to help their friends with autism. It is important however to know that not all children and adults with autism are the same. In the case of my brother Na'eem, he is different from Matt in this story in that he can not and does not like to engage in group activities, he does not engage in conversation with others not even me or my family. He is sometimes able to relay in very simple vocabulary what he needs or wants. This story is very particular to the relationship with Matt and his friend. But the book does give a general idea in how to help and engage a friend with autism. 

9 comments:

Joanna said...

An excellent recommendation, Saba. beautiful front cover illustration too, makes one want to open up and read. Really appreciate you reminding readers that the autism spectrum is very broad and children and adults on it can react in many different ways.

GatheringBooks said...

Oh it does sound like a book with a lovely message. Thanks for sharing this.

Heather said...

This is one that I would like to check out, thank you for the recommendation. I'm glad you pointed out that not everyone with a diagnosis of autism will be the same. We are all unique individuals in this world.

Beth Stilborn said...

I'm grateful that you've added this book to the PPB list, and that you've pointed out that autism differs from person to person. Thank you.

Tracy MacDonald said...

Saba, this looks like a wonderful story and an important one to read with children. Thanks so much for sharing it with us this week!
A2ZMommy and What’s In Between

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great book that can help all kinds of people! Thanks for sharing it!

Kirsten Larson said...

Thanks for this wonderful recommendation. It's so wonderful to have tools to help children make and keep friends with people who might be different from them.

Patricia T. said...

Saba,
I was just thinking there aren't as man PB on autism as there are MG and YA novels. Have not seen this one, and I really like your choice. Thanks for adding it to our list.

Penny Parker Klostermann said...

Thanks for sharing this important book and for sharing about Na'eem.


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