Looking After Louis

I thought this book did a super job in conveying to kids the common traits of autism - parroting words they have just heard; seemingly staring at nothing; and not exactly playing with other children in the way that they are used to. Another parent of an autistic child interpreted the book as implying that Louis was not learning in the classroom. Me? I didn't infer that a bit! Many kids with autism don't seem to be listening or attending, but then hours later they amazingly tell you all about the solar system that was on the lesson plan. You can't assume diddly doodle what an autistic person is thinking...they are lots deeper than the rest of us. The book conveyed that! Louis sketched and colored unusual drawings, and finally, the kids suddenly saw within those bright pages the soccer game that he so enjoyed playing with them. Louis WAS tuned in and he DID enjoy playing with his friends...they just had to look deeper to see that. I'm sending this book to school with my son tomorrow so that the teacher can read it to him and his "typical" friends. The book shows that my son is NOT alone in his disability, nor are his school buddies in having to work a bit harder to understand him. Lots of children befriend kids with autism, despite their differences. Great book about acceptance.

This book is a wonderful example of teaching children acceptance of children that have differing abilities. We purchased it for our Autism chapter library and I know it will be a hit.Children need to learn tolerance and acceptance in order to survive in this world of differing talents and abilities.

This excellent book reinforces a much needed lesson in accessibility. Autism, which is a neurobiological condition is often called an "invisible" one in that many people with it display no physical needs. Sensory processing and communication are the spheres most noticeably affected by autism; challenges in social skills are also part of the package. I like the way Louis' very wise, astute teacher explains to the other children why Louis responds and behaves as he does. She makes it clear that although the same behavior would not be acceptable from the other children, certain allowances have to be made in order to meet the boy's needs. At no time is any child short-shrifted; at no time is any child's natural curiosity about Louis' behavior hushed up or criticized. Instead, Miss Owlie provides a round table where the children can explore their own feelings and come to a better understanding of Louis and be more accepting people as well. Another excellent book exploring this topic is Andreanna Edwards' "Taking Autism to School," which is a wonderful story about inclusion. I can't recommend this one highly enough. It gently reinforces the precept that we are our brother's keeper. This book is for everyone!

There is no perfect book on anything, but this one comes very close. As an educator in an inclusive classroom, I search and search constantly for books that serve as great and naturalistic conversation starters on the topic of dis/Ability. This whimsically illustrated story is LOADED with issues: inclusion, making exceptions, social isolation, the ABILITY in dis/ability, and our common humanity. It represents inclusive teaching at its best, and naturally includes a child with Autism in the story, without centering difference, but at the same time, not ignoring it. There are few books on the market that deal as thoughtfully with this complex topic as this one.

This story has a wonderful feel to it. It clearly touches on a difficult area to understand for children, but it deals with the subject of autism in a sensitive and understanding way, without losing its quality as a story. All the children in the story are well observed and I think it will appeal to an age group who are actually very interested in the differences between individuals, and are happiest when they are involved and doing something. My children loved the story, and I choked a little when I read it.