"There's a new boy at school called Louis. Louis sits next to me and I look after him. He's not quite like the rest of us. Sometimes I wonder what he's thinking about. He often just sits and stares at the wall. If I ask him what he's looking at he says, 'Looking at' and carries on looking." This introduction to the issue of autism shows how - through imagination, kindness, and a special game of football - Louis's classmates find a way to join him in his world. Then they can include Louis in theirs.

About the Author

Lesley Ely is an experienced headteacher who has taught autistic children in mainstream schools. She lives in Northamptonshire. Polly Dunbar was born in Stratford upon Avon. Daughter of children's author Joyce Dunbar, Polly first started illustrating when she was 16 and has a degree in Illustration at the University of Brighton. She lives in Brighton, Sussex. To visit Polly Dunbar's website click here

Reviews

Gr 1-4-This upbeat look at mainstreaming is told from the point of view of a little girl who sits next to an autistic boy. Louis, who repeats words he hears and has little interaction with his peers, gets away with behavior that the other children cannot, such as mimicking the teacher. One day, after he shows interest in playing soccer with a classmate, Miss Owlie allows both of them to go outside and play during the afternoon, prompting the narrator to point out the unfairness of this treatment. With her teacher's help, the child comes to realize that sometimes it's OK to "break rules for special people." Though the story depicts a fairly innocuous display of autism, which may mislead some readers about the disorder, the main focus is on the development of sensitivity in the other students. Dunbar's childlike paintings cleverly show how Louis is essentially the same as the other kids-he could be any one of the boys in the class, until the artwork focuses more closely on him. An afterword by a child clinical psychologist offers adults more information about autism and mainstreaming.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

A children's book that was voted Top Choice in our January 2006 book reviews, has gone on to win the Nasen TES Special Educational Needs - Children's Book Award 2006! it introduces children to the issue of autism through use of an engaging story and attractive illustrations. Child Education A moving picture book about an autistic schoolboy who makes a small breakthrough to which his friends and teachers respond. It helps children understand how being sensitive to others might make you, too, feel good Sunday Times This book is about autism, but it's such an excellent picture book in its own right that is would be a great shame to pigeon-hole it as an 'issues' story... Polly Dunbar's excellent illustrations are full of entertaining incidental detail. The Ultimate First Book Guide