Fiction Picture Book | Author: Meg Raby | Illustrator: Elisa Pallmar
My Brother Otto and the Birthday Party is a fiction picture book , by author Meg Raby and illustrator Elisa Pallmer, that elucidates neurodiversity. Otto and his sister Piper, from the book ‘My Brother Otto and the Birthday Party’, are going to their friend Ruthie’s birthday party. Otto is on autism spectrum and is nonverbal, unlike his sister. He uses other ways of communicating like using his tablet or moving his body.
Otto acts differently in various circumstances, as he experiences the world differently, then his sister. He has specific color choices, enjoys jumping on the trampoline as a sensory stimulation, wears noise cancelling earphones, makes connections to objects, activities & people, feels best when he is by himself sometimes. Otto’s friend Ruthie who is also neurodiverse, finds it easier to say things, when she is not looking at people’s faces.
Through her book, ‘My Brother Otto and the Birthday Party’, author Meg Raby very coherently explains sensory differences of neurodivergent kids. Illustrator Elisa Palmar uses simple & clear illustrations to explain the various accommodations that Otto and Ruthie use. Without explicit and repetitive use of the word autism the author, proficiently uses kid friendly language to explain how kids with autism can act differently yet be like all other kids who love to play, learn, and make friends.
This book is a great read for all the children.
· When Ottos’ sister says, “Sometimes I wish I could see what he sees. For now, I think he might want to be left alone.” It teaches children to understand each other and respect each other’s differences.
· The book elucidates responsiveness with gestures like, Otto flapping his wings when happy, or Ruthie putting her forehead on Otto to say ‘Thank-you’.
· It instills fellow feeling when Otto’s sister wonders if other colors hurt Otto’s head, when he shuts his eyes, and that she wouldn’t like other colors too if they would hurt her head. · Most importantly, the book teaches children empathy, an important 21st century skill to help students thrive in their studies, careers, and lives.
Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3L8JmfF
