One of my biggest issues with books about autism or autistic kids is that even as they encourage inclusion, they tend to portray differences as inherently negative - things to be corrected or politely overlooked. My feeling is that it's important to encourage children, BEFORE these biases become instinctive, to embrace those who are different INCLUSIVE of their differences, and not despite them Author-illustrator Roxana de Rond's "Milo and Monty" (2019) was wonderfully appealing to me because of that. It's the story of two dogs adopted by a family: Monty is demonstrative and eagerly playful, but Milo is more difficult to read; he doesn't love to be petted, and prefers cosy, small spaces by himself, leaving his new owners confused. He doesn't seem unhappy, but he doesn't seem happy in ways that are familiar to them either. The problem isn't Milo, it's COMMUNICATION and mutual understanding. 💙 ...and when cousin Henry comes to visit with his family, things suddenly become clearer. Henry, whom everyone adores, also doesn't love hugs, or loud noises, and feels safe in small spaces. Milo is just a Henry sort of dog, and that's just fine! While I was a bit concerned about some of the autistic stereotypes at first (autistics can be extroverts, and aren't always anxious introverted types), the fact that autism isn't actually mentioned mitigates this, and also makes it a wonderful book to discuss inclusion of children who AREN'T autistic but are shy, anxious, have SPD, or other issues. It's a FANTASTIC story for preschool and early school aged kids about embracing differences, and definitely one of my top recommendations this Autism Acceptance Month. And thanks to @childsplaybooks for the review copy. I am THRILLED to recommend this title, and it is definitely a treasured part of my collection now! ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ #NoodlenutsKidsBooks #NoodlenutsAutism #MiloAndMonty #RoxanaDeRond #AutismAcceptanceMonth #autism #AutismMoms #AutismDads #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autismspectrumdisorder #asd #anxietyawareness #childrensmentalhealth #inclusion #antibullying #anxietyinkids #shykids #anxiouskids #raisingkindkids #kindness #raisinggoodhumans https://www.instagram.com/p/B-5CXeuH8nm/?igshid=1d18hsnwhli5l
