Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book [Perfect Paperback]

Celeste Shally (Author), David Harrington (Illustrator)

Book Description

Children with autism struggle to make friends and navigate social situations. However, one child can make a significant difference in the life of a child with autism by offering compassion, understanding and friendship.

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.

From the publisher:
The prevalence of autism has skyrocketed in recent years. One in every 150 children is now living with this pervasive developmental disorder. The handful of autism children's books on the market represents the most severe cases of autism. However, most children with autism are much less severe. These misunderstood children struggle in social situations and have difficulty making friends. Since We're Friends will appeal to family members, friends, teachers, therapists, doctors, neighbors, and anyone who seeks to know and understand more about children with autism. Celeste Shally is also the author of The Bully Blockers: Standing Up for Classmates with Autism.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—An unnamed child tells about his friendship with Matt, a boy with autism. Matt's condition is addressed directly, but then glossed over, as if his behavior were not really a problem. For example, when talking about playing basketball, the narrator says, "Sometimes Matt has a hard time following directions at practice…. Since we're friends, I show Matt what to do." Children who are autistic don't simply have a hard time following directions; they have difficulty attending to what is going on around them. They often have trouble with any organized sports, and while it is thoughtful for a child to volunteer to show Matt what to do, it is unrealistic to expect that he will respond to this "extra" help so easily. Both boys are drawn as cartoon characters; one is white and one is black. They are generally smiling, although Matt's expressions change with his mood. The message in this book is not to be ignored; it is important for normally functioning children to befriend those with disabilities. But, it is unreasonable and a little disingenuous to suggest that a classmate can ensure that a child with autism will play well with others and be accepted by the group. Accomplishing this is beyond what most professionals could attain.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD
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About the Author

Celeste Shally lives in Northwest Arkansas with her husband and two sons. Her oldest son was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of three. She holds a bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University. As a parent and former educator, Celeste wrote Since We're Friends in response to her need for more children's books that help typical children understand and relate to their peers with Autism.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Awaken Specialty Press (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979471303
• ISBN-13: 978-0979471308
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #405,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #80 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Issues > Special Needs > Fiction

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!, October 2, 2007

By 

Nancy A. Ullmann - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book (Perfect Paperback)

This is a wonderful picture book about how a friendship can work between two friends who are different from each other. It teaches children how they can be helpful, thoughtful, and caring to a child with autism. A great teaching tool to use with school age children who interact with autistic children. The illustrations are beautiful and inviting. The story is well written and definitely will keep the readers attention.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome resource, September 26, 2007

By 

J. P. Jenkins (Lexington, Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book (Perfect Paperback)

This is an awesome children's book, well written for ages 3-8. The illustrations are the best I have seen for a childrens book. I donated two copies to my local library.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good teaching tool, November 25, 2007

By 

Bridget (Waterloo, IA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book (Perfect Paperback)

As a special educator of students with autism, I found this book to very useful. I envision using this book as a regular addition in my class library. It teaches great lessons about acceptance, friendship, and differences. With additions like this book to a class library, students would be exposed to others like them and those that are different. There needs to be more books like this one that shed positive light on children with autism. Children are naturally accepting of others and this book helps display that acceptance!