About the Book and Author
Why do people sometimes say the opposite of what they mean? Why do they pretend to like terrible gifts? And…perhaps the oddest thing of all, why use a weird phrase to describe something instead of basic words? I’m pretty sure I’d rather be in trouble than ‘in hot soup’, as they say!
Welcome to the ultimate confusion-busting guide to the use of slang, sarcasm and the confusing conversations that hurt our heads! Over seven stories, we uncover what you can do when the people around you insist on being super-hard to understand (and what they should do to help)!
Packed with humour and brilliant illustrations by Tim Stringer, this book is the perfect companion for autistic children trying to navigate non-literal conversational customs.
Debby Elley is the co-founder of AuKids magazine and the author of Fifteen Things They Forgot to Tell You About Autism, and co-author of the children’s book The Ice-Cream Sundae Guide to Autism (JKP 2020). She is a mother of twin sons on the autism spectrum. She lives in Cheshire, UK.
Book Review
it explains things in an easy-to-understand way
This book has short stories in which all explain different situations children with Autism might face, they are things that many people do not realise are difficult to understand but someone with autism thinks slightly differently.
My family provide respite for a young boy with Autism and after reading this book I understand why sometimes he looks at me a bit funny. Before I thought I had said something wrong but actually it might just be that he didn’t understand what I meant.
I think older children with autism should read this book but also parents and siblings because it explains things in an easy-to-understand way and shows that it is ok to think differently.
I will definitely be recommending this book to other young carers and their families.
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Alternatively, we suggest that you visit your local library and request to borrow a copy from a friendly librarian.
Whichever you choose, we hope you enjoy being part of your unique reading community – happy reading everyone!
Reviewer Profile
- Name: Storm
- Age: 10 years
- Likes: Harry Potter, dancing and karate
- Dislikes: wasps
- Favourite Book: Barb the Brave by Dan & Jason
- Favourite Song: Oi! New Kid from Matilda the musical
- Favourite Film: Descendants
