Review
Take a moment and think about things that come with most holidays–changes in schedule, fancy clothes, different rules, big parties, special foods, trinket items, and more. Now pause and consider other special events–field trips, extracurricular activities, play dates, etc. Most children learn how to adapt to these times fairly quickly, but for children with autism, sensory processing disorder, or other special needs, these different days can present many challenges. Ashi’s Birthday and Other Dreaded Days is here to help!
Ashi’s Birthday and Other Dreaded Days combines the life experience of autism parent Annie Eskeldson with the artistic talent of sixteen-year-old Susan Sader. The ladies team up to take the reader on a journey through a typical year’s special days–birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, field trips, and much more. Annie’s writing enlightens the reader to issues that special needs kids face at these special events. Susan’s amazing drawings bring out the emotion. The combination is very effective.
I wish the publisher had priced the book lower, because I want people to take this book seriously. The autism community has been waiting for a book like this! Because some parents would want to know ahead of time depending on their children, I will give you a heads up about one thing. In the first scene, quoted below, Ashi is sitting on her bed in her underwear. It is very tastefully done, and she is more covered by the paper she is playing with and by her long hair, similar to many pictures of Eve in Bible stories.
What I appreciate the most about Ashi’s Birthday and Other Dreaded Days is that Annie shows others through her words what my child is experiencing. She doesn’t yell at other folks, “Back off–my kid doesn’t want to wear that snowman shirt!” She allows story, a tool used for thousands of years to communicate many difficult things, to enlighten others. For example:
“I escaped from my birthday party! My new dress was scratching me. I don’t like opening presents, and birthday cake is so yucky!
Mommy peeks in and laughs at my new outfit! I’m having fun drumming, so we’ll open my gifts later.”
Do you see what she did? She just taught the reader that kids with autism often don’t like fancy clothes and that they don’t have an attention span to sit and open a bunch of presents. Annie also weaves in the suggestion to just let it go and open gifts later–that makes all lives easier!
Finally, Annie took time at the end to write a page for adults to help them understand a little better and offer suggestions. If you have a child with autism, sensory issues, or other special needs that affect special days, I highly recommend you have a copy of Ashi’s Birthday & Other Dreaded Days on hand to give to other friends and family to read. It will save you a lot of frustration. Let the book talk for you.
About the Reviewer
Thanks for the review, Jenny. Just a note, should anyone be interested in a book, which is currently a new release, hence the high price, please contact me. I have books on hand which I can mail out for around 1/2 the price. The price will be reduced to about half around the 6 month mark. It’s just like that for new releases! You can contact me via my website http://www.authorannie.com or you can friend me on facebook. Thanks!
Annie also told me her books are printed in the USA, which is great to know that you’re keeping jobs in the States when you order her book.
There is also a 1 min. book trailer for the book which can be seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h5pdLNsfWw&feature=youtube_gdata
I am Ashi’s grandmother. Before Ashi came along, I knew absolutely nothing about autism. Every book my daughter writes opens my mind to greater understanding of autism. The books are packed full of inspiring and comforting information for the families with autistic children. I love the way the stories are written, and the beautiful pictures in the book are absolutely stunning. Mostly, but not least, when I read these books I truly feel exactly how Ashi is feeling from the inside out. I have a much greater appreciation for autistic children and their families. Yes, these children are different; however, these children offer a MAGNIFICENT GIFT of the greatest love and expression. If one just takes a moment and gazes into their eyes, you will see how precious they are. Every family needs to read what Ashi has to say!
Hi, Peggy,
Thanks so much for stopping by! I didn’t now much about autism before my son, either. I am very thankful your daughter has decided to write these books. I appreciate the time you took to leave your thoughts.
Jenny
As Ashi’s StepGrandma, Annie’s book has helped her Dad and I not only learn about autism, but has helped us to communicate and grow close to our granddaughter. Ashi is such a beautiful and smart little girl with a quick sense of humor and huge heart. We already loved Ashi, but learning about autism through Annie’s books have taught is how to SHOW her our love.
Thanks for your perspective, Cindy! It will help others who stop by.