A DAY WITH NO WORDS

A DAY WITH NO WORDS by Tiffany Hammond. Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove

If you are looking for a picture book with deep meaning check out A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond. Told in first person from a nonverbal autistic boy, this beautiful story gives us an inside view into his life. A touch screen tablet gives voice to his thoughts as he navigates the world around him. His heightened senses cause him to react in non typical ways sometimes, and while in the park, he encounters some cruel remarks about his behavior. His mother quickly comes to his defense through the use of a tablet as well. She is autistic and while she does have some speech ability, it is clear that it is a bit of a struggle for her also. Our author understands this momma personally. She is autistic herself and the mother of two autistic boys.

There are so many directions you can take a picture book like this with your kids. Can I suggest a couple? First, sit for a minute and really encourage your kids to think about what it means to not be able to communicate with a voice. Second, talk about the wonderful advancements in technology that have helped not only your family, but the doors it has opened up for those who deal with disabilities. Third, have the discussion on how to handle being around those who are impaired in some manner. Disabled people are exactly that, PEOPLE. They just face extra challenges in their lives that we may not. They deserve our respect and care just like anyone else, so always be kind with your words and your actions!

One more thing before I wrap this up! Kate Cosgrove knocks it out of the park with her illustrations. Created in pencil and ProCreate, she gives the pictures a feeling of chalk pastels. Not everything is perfectly lined and tidy which fits this story perfectly.