April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Awareness Month; a time dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Tiffany Hammond's picture book A Day With No Words invites readers into the world of a family who communicates without spoken language.
This colorful picture book describes a day in the life of a young boy who communicates with the use of a tablet, hugs trees to comfort them, enjoys chicken nuggets, orange sodas, and fries, dances barefoot in the grass, and sometimes feels overwhelmed by the sights and sounds around him.
Some books are mirrors; reflecting characters that readers can relate to, while others are windows; offering a view of someone else's world. Children on the autism spectrum may see themselves reflected in the story's thoughtful rhyming sentences and colorful illustrations, while others may learn to better understand people who view and interact with the world in a unique way. As Aidan's mother explains to parents they meet at the park, "My son does not speak, but his ears work just fine. The words that you say go straight to his mind."
Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist
