Just So Stories

Connect Us Pyschology

March 2024

ISBN: 978-0-646-88697-8 (Hardcover)

RRP: $29.99

When asked if I was interested in reviewing this book, I was very pleased to accept. As many know, The Kid is one of those ‘Square Me’ people for whom we have been trying to find the right fit, it seems, almost all her life. And at last we have arrived at a comfortable place, and with all the self-awareness she has developed over the years, she will hopefully begin this early navigation of adulthood with some confidence.

For many of the kiddos we encounter – and I speak here, as an educator – we know the struggles they can have if they are not cast in the ’round’ fit mold. So it behoves us all to do what we can to smooth those tricky paths.

Of course, the same goes for parents who find themselves in the position of helping their Smalls to deal with daily life without stress, angst, anxiety or exclusion.

In particular, the little stories in this book are very applicable to kiddos with ASD or ADHD neuro-diversity, and it is Chelsea’s personal experience living with both of those, that fuels her hope that society will, more and more, not only embrace and accommodate neuro-diversity, but also celebrate it.

Both the narratives and illustrations are relatively simple but most definitely, provide a snapshot of common manifestations of both ASD and ADHD. There will be children who can recognise themselves, but there will also be children who will recognise their classmates, cousins, neighbours or other friends. I know there were certainly moments in reading when my thoughts were ‘oh, that’s K all over!’.

And all of these stories will provide a smoother path to both acceptance and understanding from all angles. I would strongly urge you to get hold of this for a school collection (and recommending to your school counsellor), for your own professional reading/library, or for home. You can be assured that it is going to be recommended to K’s therapist, who I know will find it deeply useful. Congratulations to Chelsea on both the concept and the execution!