Cosimah2o
Active Member
Keisha's doors ( Las puertas de Keisha) By Marvie Ellis. ( Bilingual format).
3 year-old Kiesha has stopped communicating with her family. Kiesha parents and her older sister Monica (age 9) learn that she has autism, and they must adapt their communication style to reach Kiesha (to "open her doors"). The story is not just about Monica's adjustment to life with Kiesha, but about the Mom and Dad's journey to get a diagnosis and learn how to relate to their child. It is truly a family story, and it raises important diagnosis questions as well as coping skills.
I loved her concept of "closed doors" and "opening doors." This is quite understandable to a child, and indeed, an adult faced with this devastating condition. I was delighted, and in fact thrilled, to see this work presented in both Spanish and English, together between two covers.
The illustrations in this book by artist Jenny Loehr, quite pleasing as I like her method and style. She has the ability to capture so much with her simple facial expressions. The color choices certainly appeal to children and are quite eye catching in a subdued way. The illustrations go perfectly with the text and each, the text and the art work, complement each other perfectly.
The author has done a wonderful job, in the way of explanation, at their level. I might add that any adult will also find this work quite informative. This is another valuable tool and should be included in any school program or home library were applicable, So this book is a great tool to help siblings, other family members and non-relatives (including teachers and students) to understand some of the world of kids with autism.
Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism by Laurie Lears and Karen Riz (Illustrator)
Author Laurie Lears includes quite a bit of information about autistic children in the book, but the emphasis is on the feelings of Julie, whose little brother, Ian, is autistic, and the drama of his brief disappearance at the park. The story is narrated by Julie and She loves him and feels responsible for him, but at the same time, she often feels embarrassed and angry at his behavior.
When Julie’s mother gives her permission to go to the park with her older sister, Tara, to feed the ducks, Julie is pleased. When Ian indicates he wants to go with her, Julie agrees, although she is obviously not thrilled about it. As they walk, Ian responds differently than other people to the environment because, according to Julie, “Ian’s brain doesn’t work like other people’s,
Ian hears things differently, Ian smells things differently, Ian feels things differently, Ian tastes things differently ".
On the walk, Ian continually does things that embarrass or upset Julie. She is concerned other people will notice how Ian is reacting. When Tara returns, Julie is shocked to realize that Ian has wandered off. She has no idea where he’s gone. While Tara runs off to look for Ian, Julie tries to think like Ian so she can figure out where he has gone. To her great relief, Julie finds him at one of his favorites sites, the old bell in the middle of the park. His brief disappearance has helped remind her that despite his autism, he is her brother and she loves him.
Excellent at articulating the feelings an elementary age child has about his/her autistic sibling--the frustration when he won't cooperate; the anger when he interferes with plans; the panic when he gets lost. This book helps one to understand the world that autistic children live in. It refers to their differences in sensory perception ( help others to identify some symptoms)- Not only did I find this book outstanding for children but also for any adult to read. It really explains autism in very simple touching way.
The illustrations with water colour are accurately defined and capture the real essence and beauty of Ian as he takes in his surroundings like no one else. This chikdren's picture book is first and foremost a good story, one that will engage the interest of children form 6 to 10 years old.
3 year-old Kiesha has stopped communicating with her family. Kiesha parents and her older sister Monica (age 9) learn that she has autism, and they must adapt their communication style to reach Kiesha (to "open her doors"). The story is not just about Monica's adjustment to life with Kiesha, but about the Mom and Dad's journey to get a diagnosis and learn how to relate to their child. It is truly a family story, and it raises important diagnosis questions as well as coping skills.
I loved her concept of "closed doors" and "opening doors." This is quite understandable to a child, and indeed, an adult faced with this devastating condition. I was delighted, and in fact thrilled, to see this work presented in both Spanish and English, together between two covers.
The illustrations in this book by artist Jenny Loehr, quite pleasing as I like her method and style. She has the ability to capture so much with her simple facial expressions. The color choices certainly appeal to children and are quite eye catching in a subdued way. The illustrations go perfectly with the text and each, the text and the art work, complement each other perfectly.
The author has done a wonderful job, in the way of explanation, at their level. I might add that any adult will also find this work quite informative. This is another valuable tool and should be included in any school program or home library were applicable, So this book is a great tool to help siblings, other family members and non-relatives (including teachers and students) to understand some of the world of kids with autism.
Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism by Laurie Lears and Karen Riz (Illustrator)
Author Laurie Lears includes quite a bit of information about autistic children in the book, but the emphasis is on the feelings of Julie, whose little brother, Ian, is autistic, and the drama of his brief disappearance at the park. The story is narrated by Julie and She loves him and feels responsible for him, but at the same time, she often feels embarrassed and angry at his behavior.
When Julie’s mother gives her permission to go to the park with her older sister, Tara, to feed the ducks, Julie is pleased. When Ian indicates he wants to go with her, Julie agrees, although she is obviously not thrilled about it. As they walk, Ian responds differently than other people to the environment because, according to Julie, “Ian’s brain doesn’t work like other people’s,
Ian hears things differently, Ian smells things differently, Ian feels things differently, Ian tastes things differently ".
On the walk, Ian continually does things that embarrass or upset Julie. She is concerned other people will notice how Ian is reacting. When Tara returns, Julie is shocked to realize that Ian has wandered off. She has no idea where he’s gone. While Tara runs off to look for Ian, Julie tries to think like Ian so she can figure out where he has gone. To her great relief, Julie finds him at one of his favorites sites, the old bell in the middle of the park. His brief disappearance has helped remind her that despite his autism, he is her brother and she loves him.
Excellent at articulating the feelings an elementary age child has about his/her autistic sibling--the frustration when he won't cooperate; the anger when he interferes with plans; the panic when he gets lost. This book helps one to understand the world that autistic children live in. It refers to their differences in sensory perception ( help others to identify some symptoms)- Not only did I find this book outstanding for children but also for any adult to read. It really explains autism in very simple touching way.
The illustrations with water colour are accurately defined and capture the real essence and beauty of Ian as he takes in his surroundings like no one else. This chikdren's picture book is first and foremost a good story, one that will engage the interest of children form 6 to 10 years old.
