Autism with Lola: Playing with Bourbon Badger Review

As a child, I struggled to fit in. My needs and experiences were quite different to the other children, for instance. I struggled to maintain friendships because I didn’t get things, failed to fit in or didn’t adapt to situations which others couldn’t comprehend. However, it wasn’t until adulthood that I began to understand that the reason for this stemmed from sensory processing disorder and perhaps also, autism. It is because of these experiences that the author of Autism with Lola first stood out to me.

A part of her mission statement is as follows:

“Imagine a life where we need not explain. A life where kids are happy not being the same. My name is Jodie Isitt, and this is my dream. We NEED to teach children about disabilities, and this beautifully written and illustrated story book does just that and more. In fact, it has proven to not only help children who are not neuro-divergent to understand those who are, but it has also helped autistic children understand themselves!”

I’m an adult currently getting an autism diagnosis who struggles with SPD. Therefore, finding people who get me is a constant challenge. Since the eldest Papalite’s Sensory Processing Disorder diagnosis, I’ve worried that he’ll struggle with this same issues. So, knowing that there are children’s authors looking to raise this awareness of the various difficulties and complications that some kids face moving through their day-to-day life.

Giveaway

It is with incredible enthusiasm and pleasure that I announce we have three copies of the book Autism with Lola: Playing with Bourbon Badger to give away. A book aimed at helping both typically developed children and those with developmental conditions have better understanding and empathy.

To win a copy of Autism with Lola: Playing with Bourbon Badger, enter via Rafflecopter below. Ends 26/03/20, other T&C’s apply.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Creators

Jodie Isitt

The author, Jodie Isitt is a passionate parent and blogger with first-hand experience with autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorder among other things. She is extremely passionate about helping typically developing children better understand how others find normal everyday situations difficult and to help those who struggle in these situations understand themselves.

Lucy Smith

As an experienced former school teacher and psychology graduate, Lucy has a in-depth knowledge of language development and the role high quality literature and illustrations play in encouraging a life long love of reading.  Her past career paved the way for her success as a children’s illustrator.

About the Story

“Lola Rabbit is just like the other rabbits but she sees the world differently. Lola is autistic. This means that sometimes Lola becomes afraid and upset when she hears loud noises. She often hums to herself and spins around to make herself feel better.

Lola’s classmates don’t understand what being autistic is like. It is confusing for the other children, and Lola becomes lonely. But then, Bourbon Badger shows kindness that she has never felt before.”

 

Our Experience

Our first readings of Autism with Lola were done with each of the Papalites separately; we’ve since read it several times. I’m glad we did read this the way we did, because of the age differences (7 and 3) as well as the fact that one has developmental conditions.

The eldest Papalite, 7 read the book with me, we took turns. He often gets overwhelmed by sounds and feelings. The story describes an environment he related with school, where too many external stimuli overwhelmed Lola. This left the young rabbit feeling isolated and intimidated by the experience. He related to several parts of the story, pointing out how he feels the same sometimes but also indirect parallels between Lola’s story and his own.

The youngest Papalite, 3 laid next to me whilst I read her the story. She frequently asked me to stop so that she could make observations or ask questions.

After we finished, she asked me to read the book a second time and then spent half hour in her tent looking at the pictures and telling her own version of the story.

*I was sent the Lola book for review and offered three to giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.