Tomas Loves...: A rhyming book about fun, friendship - and autism Hardcover – January 21, 2015

I was a little worried about reading this book to my newly diagnosed HFA son (5) as we don't label him, we don't mention he's different as a negative and never use the term autistic in front of him as we feel he's normal, if a little quirky, and don't want to burden him with a label or shove him into a box he won't get out of. So I read this book by myself first, and really enjoyed how there are no labels! Tomas is just what he is. A boy who likes trains, small toys, his dog and so on. It was refreshing and a relief it wasn't a book putting autistic children in THAT `special' box, rather accepting them as being normal... with a little quirk or two.So I then read this story with his older sisters (10 and 7) who are aware he has autism and have had it explained to them. They loved this book and said it was cute how it was about a boy like their brother. Showing it was okay to be quirky as it was just a different level to normal. So thumbs up there too that siblings can recognise it and see it as a good thing.After that I read it to my train loving son and... he loved it. He could relate to Tomas as he too loves trains. He covered his ears for the loud noises too, he repeated the silly sounding words and loved the interaction with Flynn the dog.Summary - this is a well presented book, a good read for the whole family of a quirky child and a refreshing story that doesn't label a child. Highly recommend it to families who have at least one autistic child in their life as it might help explain things to some people (children and adults) while reaffirm it's okay to be like this to others.

This informative, important book, written by Jude Welton and illustrated by Jane Telford, for ages 2+, is one that everyone should read.Written in rhyme it documents a loving family and how they cope with autism in their special little boy. They understand that he is different from other little guys and they make beautiful provisions for those differences. Together, mom and Tomas map out his day so he won't be scared or worried about what is to come. Both she and his dad read to him in a quiet, gentle manner to sooth the assault from the world around him through bustling crowds, loud noises and improper foods that he could ingest to make his tummy sore. They guide his day for success with proper toys (he especially loves his train that goes round and round, and playing with tiny wee toys, and his trampoline time that brings him to giggles). They create a calm atmosphere so he can be more relaxed and know in his heart, that no matter what comes his way he is loved, safe and precious to them. If there is any deviation from the plan, which may cause stress or upset, they immediately inform Tomas so he won't start flapping.His faithful companion Flynn, his best friend in a doggie body, is always there for him to comfort and give him constant love and interaction. Tomas is surrounded by positive, intentional care which greatly benefits the quality of his life and puts a smile on both his face and his parents'.The illustrations add so much to the storyline. Some are playful, some are serious, but all give you a perfect visual of a day in the life of Tomas, a little boy who is different, but "loves fun and friendship - just like you!"

I picked this book up for review by the publisher and want to express that all opinions on this review are solely mine and not influenced by the publisher in any way.This is a great book to teach young children about autism without getting too technical. I feel as if children in their younger days can be very judgmental of other kids who are different from the norm and I feel like this book should be read to children to let them have a grasp of what autism is really like for kids who have it. I personally have not met anyone with autism spectrum before but I could definitely see myself reading this book to younger kids so they have a better understanding of what autism really is visually and through storytelling. The story line covers a lot of topics from digestive issues to noises affecting children with autism but is a way that children will understand it.The artwork is cute and attractive. Not too realistic, not too cartoony either. I liked the color tones and it blended well with the story. The rhymes were well done and flowed well throughout the narrative. This book was such a joy to read and I hope there are more books out there like this that can teach children about different types of disorders without being too overly descriptive but with just enough information so they will understand. BengirlxD approved.

Autism affects lots of people to some extent - many have autistic tendencies but these are not necessarily sufficiently marked for them to be diagnosed as autistic. This book is a fantastic way of sharing information about the life of a child who is autistic. The beautiful illustrations and enhance and portray the story of Tomas which is told in rhyme - both factors which will make this book more appealing to children who have autistic tendencies as well as those without. It also shows that Tomas has interests and likes doing things like anyone else but also shows that some things can stress and upset him. The strategies used by his parents to help Tomas are explained and he usually has his dog, Flynn, alongside him to give him unconditional love and affection.This is a great book to help children, parents, carers and educators understand how autism can impact on people’s lives and also shares some strategies for helping children who are autistic too. A delightful book that you don’t need to be autistic to appreciate but that will also appeal to children who are. It helps get the message across that “Tomas loves fun and friendship - just like you!”Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.