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Lets talk! Learning to bowl
Let’s Talk! Learning to bowl, is a beautiful story that follows young Harper who has a very special best friend named Emma who happens to also be autistic. Their latest adventure takes them to the bowling alley where they learn to bowl with their new friend Jerry, who is in a bowling league. While learning to bowl, Emma sometimes takes her face mask off and, because Harper is the greatest friend, she takes on the role of educating Coach Phil on how Emma understands what we are asking of her by communicating with flash cards. Which leads to everyone having a great time at the bowling alley, and another successful adventure for the friends.
This is a sweet picture book that shows how children can be amazing role models that promote inclusivity and understanding of people with special needs. The story is perfect for the developing reader who is ready to take on longer sentences and new vocabulary words. The illustrations by Blueberry Illustrations are incredibly adorable, vibrant and wonderfully shows each character’s emotions. I feel it gave the story such warmth and charm.
I enjoyed learning about the author at the end of the book and I can tell her background in working with special needs children is very near and dear to her heart, and that passion shines throughout her book. I loved how she included some of the mannerisms children with autism exhibit. This makes them seem natural and like nothing is different or strange about them.
Lets talk! Learning to bowl is a fantastic children’s book that will educate readers while promoting diversity and inclusion.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0B8BLVS1L | Blueberry Illustrations
A New Social Issue
Let’s Talk! Going to the Zoo educates readers on how fun the zoo is along with what autism is and what that means. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration was really my own real life experiences. I have a passion and connection with animals. I thought it would be great to use that in the story and show that little ones do not have to be held back by Autism. If they want to go to the zoo, their family should take them. I felt it would really show how little ones with Autism would be able to enjoy this type of experience.
What were some key ideas you wanted to share in this book that were different from book one?
I wanted to show a new social issue that little ones not just with Autism, but in general face. Also, to show little ones how to overcome that kind of an issue. That is why I wanted to put the idea of a group of bullies in. Then having a little one realize that Harper is right and see the beauty in Autism would add to Autism being something positive. I also wanted to show different cultures and that is why each character is a different ethnicity. I really want my books to focus on diversity not only in disability but in culture and ethnicity. Having different themes represented I think is so important because if you look at the current repertoire of children’s books, which I did recently, each character was a boy. Girls are rarely represented. And the majority of books showcase a Caucasian character. Diversity, culture as well as disability is very under represented and I want to break that pattern.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
Strength. I want little ones to realize they are strong and can stand up to that bully. To see they are strong and do not have to hide their disability but proud of it. To be strong about wanting to go new places and try new things. Determination and strength is so important for our children to see represented. I want children to see themselves in my books and gain determination and strength and confidence. If I can do that, then my series has reached its goal.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have written a new series actually. I wrote and put it out there first as a short story and changed my mind. I will be starting the publication process in November of this year for the Rascal Cat Brothers part 1. Which is a story of the silly shenanigans my two cats get into. I am not forgetting about the Lets Talk! Series though, book 3 is done and will go into production early next year, stay tuned!!
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram | GoodReads
While enjoying the animals Emma becomes excited and flaps her hands, making noises. A group of children come over and begin to point and stare. What do you think Harper does when she sees this group being not nice to her friend? Come find out when you read the next book in the Lets Talk! Series.
A Different Way to Learn
Let’s talk! A story of Autism and Friendship teaches readers about autism and accepting others through a fun and engaging story. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It was important to me for a few different reasons. Working in this field I get asked all the time by parents if I think their child has Autism and then they tell me how afraid they are of the diagnosis. I feel that this is sad because Autism is just a different way to learn and is actually beautiful. I wanted to write something that showed families it is ok that their child has Autism. I also wanted to show people the way I see Autism as just a different way to learn. There Is not enough research out there on Autism and there is still that negative connotation. That is something I am striving to change with this book and the rest that are coming in the series.
The art in the book is vibrant and charming. What was the art collaboration process like with Blueberry Illustrations?
It was so simple and easy. I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to self publish or is looking for an illustrator. They followed my instructions to the letter. They also were so kind and gracious when I had one illustration that needed to be changed. They sent me a work schedule that they either stuck to the day of or would send me work early. They really made the process enjoyable and I am now working with them for the third time on my second book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to explore the idea of friendship. I wanted to show that child like innocence of our children that is open to anyone no matter our differences. I also wanted to make sure my characters were of different ethnicities than I am. That specifically was done to show that Autism can happen to anyone, of any race. Because it is primarily seen as a white disorder. It does happen to others they just don’t talk about it and that I would like to change as well.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book is called Lets Talk! And go to the zoo, the sequel. It will be available April 2, 2021 from amazon, barnes and noble, Walmart and any small independent book store that can order it or from me and my etsy shop palepinkadventures.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram | GoodReads
Let’s Talk! A Story of Autism and Friendship
Let’s Talk! A Story of Autism and Friendship, by Lisa Jacovsky is a fun and educational children’s story about a little girl named Harper. While at the pool one day, she meets a girl named Emma. She tries to talk and play with her, but she notices something’s off. Emma doesn’t speak, and she just stands there, flapping her arms. Harper offers to play in the pool with Emma and once she does, she learns that Emma has autism! Even after knowing why Emma behaved the way she did, she didn’t mind and Emma still became her best friend.
Let’s Talk! A Story of Autism and Friendship is a light-hearted and engaging story that teaches young readers a valuable life lesson. Author Lisa Jacovsky is able to write about a sensitive topic while keeping it easy for kids to understand. The colorful and detailed illustrations allow for the reader to better visualize the story and the characters. I really enjoyed how the story shows what it is like to have a friend with autism, letting the audience know that they may think differently, but they are still fun people to be around!
Let’s Talk! A Story of Autism and Friendship is a touching and easy to read picture book that will make it easy for parents and teachers to begin a discussion about autism with children. It teaches kids about the importance of accepting others and learning how to make them feel more comfortable, and Lisa Jacovsky does it all within an entertaining story.
Pages: 14 | ASIN: B08CBDT71J
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