Talking is Not My Thing - Hardcover

Robbins, Rose

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802855490 ISBN 13: 9780802855497

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2020

Synopsis

This little sister might not use words, but she’s got plenty to say! Narrated through thought bubbles, this energetic book invites readers into the day of a nonverbal girl with autism. She has so much to do—games to play, spaghetti to eat, and a missing stuffed animal to find! Sometimes life can be noisy and overwhelming, but something new is always around the corner. Talking isn’t the only way to make a joke, ask for Grandma’s help, or surprise your brother… 

Illustrated in bright colors, Talking Is Not My Thing is a joyful portrait of neurodiverse family life.

About this title

About the Author

Rose Robbins is the author of Me and My Sister (Eerdmans), a companion to Talking Is Not My Thing. She has a Master of Arts in children's book illustration from the Cambridge School of Art and was a runner-up for Hachette UK's Carmelite Prize in 2017. Rose grew up with an autistic brother, an experience that informs and shapes her writing. She serves as an ambassador with Inclusive Minds, an organization that promotes quality representation in children's literature, and she has written and drawn extensively about neurodiversity issues. Rose lives in Nottingham, UK. Follow her on Instagram @roserobbinsuk or visit her website at www.roserobbins.co.uk.

Reviews

K-Gr 2-A brother and sister manage to communicate despite the fact that she never speaks. Yellow animal characters with pointy ears-not quite dogs, not quite cats-have a wonderful rapport based on her thought bubbles and his intuitive understanding of her wishes and acquiescence. They experience situations and emotions common to young children; she lets others know what she's thinking and feeling through drawings, flash cards, and actions. Cartoon illustrations with flat perspective and blocks of color work well to portray familiar activities such as eating supper, watching TV, and reading a story. The drama comes in the common bedtime dilemma of searching for a "lost" stuffed animal. The sister's distress at dinner noises and preference for routine hint at her possible place on the autism spectrum, while her solid relationship with her brother includes the ability to share a joke. For more on his perspective, consider Robbins's companion volume, Me and My Sister. VERDICT This matter-of-fact depiction of siblings with different ways of communicating and interacting with the world will encourage acceptance and understanding. A fine choice for most collections.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State Univ. Lib., Mankatoα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802855490
• ISBN 13: 9780802855497
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32