Melanie Walsh studied at Harrow School of Art and the Royal College of Art. She has now written over forty children's books, which include My Green Day, Ten Things I Can Do to Help My World, Living with Mum and Living with Dad and Goodbye Grandma. Melanie says, "This is the book my son didn't have when he was young. I wanted to write a book that explained Asperger's Syndrome to classmates, friends and relatives in a simple, gentle and positive way. Children who have ASD do have challenges, but also many amazing strengths." Melanie lives with her family in Bath.
A very accessible, positive story explaining Asperger's to young children. Backed by the National Autistic Society, it is an excellent resource for classrooms and libraries. * Bookseller * Groundbreaking picture book explaining Asperger's Syndrome in a simple, gentle, positive way to young children. * The Bookseller * Melanie Walsh's picture book for the very young is visually cartoonish without being patronising. [...] It will appeal to those affected and unaffected by Asperger's [...] It's a wise and cheerful book for anyone who wants to understand the syndrome better. * The Times * ...a book which gently explains Asperger's syndrome to young children. [...] Full of comfort and wisdom - just like Melanie Walsh's Goodbye Grandma * The Herald * [This book] wears its heart on its sleeve [...] It is a good, bright, dauntless book - and does not make the mistake of labouring the detail. * The Observer * An essential book for helping children to understand this form of autism. * Nursery World * This is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand more about Asperger's Syndrome. This very accessible, ground-breaking picture book explains ASD in a simple, gentle and positive way to very young children. With bright bold illustrations, this story shows the challenges faced by children with autism as well as their strengths. * Junior News and Mail * This works well as an introduction to Asperger's for young children and the challenges such children have integrating with the mainstream. Supported by the National Autistic Society, it works well in the classroom when exploring differences, explaining how people can vary how they think and the consequences of that. * The School Librarian * This works well as an introduction to Asperger's for young children and the challenges such children have integrating with the mainstream. Supported by the National Autistic Society, it works well in the classroom when exploring differences, explaining how people can vary how they think and the consequences of that. * SLA * This picture book is both funny and moving. It offers a child-friendly explanation of the noticeable indications of having Asperger's syndrome. [...] It is a good, positive starting point to help young children to either explain or understand this condition. It is clear and simple, yet moving and thoughtful. As last - a book for which we have been waiting a long time. * Carousel * "This is a fantastic book to help young children to understand Asperger Syndrome. It helps them to see the world through the eyes of a child who has Asperger's so that they can empathise rather than tease. [...] Overall Asperger's is portrayed in a positive light, while pointing out that there are differences between mainstream children and those with the condition, which may not always be clear to see. This book can be used in a mainstream or SEN class, to help other children understand their classmates, or to assist a child with Asperger's to accept their own characteristics as normal for them. The book also effectively explains the difficulties children with Asperger's may have with loud noises, and other challengers that they face on a daily basis. It's an invaluable read for key stage 1 children, particularly if they know somebody who has Asperger Syndrome." * Practical Pre-school *