Children will have opportunities to talk about their feelings and what can trigger different feelings in different people. This book is a fantastic conversation starter to help kids 4-8 think about the ways we are all unique in the way we respond to the world around us and how friendships are made. Both Leo and Maya are fully developed characters, and their blossoming relationship is a joy to read.

Leo and the Octopus – Teachpal Leo and the Octopus – Teachpal

A literatura infantil está cada vez mais inclusiva e isso vê-se na grande variedade de livros que abordam temas tão distintos como as perturbações do espectro do autismo (como acontece com este "Leo e o Polvo". There are also the reversible octopus toys which are happy one way and sad another - this book would link well to these and could be used to act as a physical demonstration of children’s feelings - children with particular sensitivities could have one placed on their desk and they could then flip it to how they are feeling to subtly show others how they feel. A masterfully told story with many layers added by the thoughtful illustrations about a boy named Leo who is neurodiverse (later revealed in a note by the author to be on the autistic spectrum). The sensitive descriptions throughout the book of what it is like to have autism are accurate and perceptive on so many levels’. I hesitated at the use of ‘alien’ with regards how Leo felt about himself and the octopus – that they were from a different planet, in a way, to those around him.Leo and the Octopus is a brilliant book for building empathy; it really raises awareness of what life is like living with autism. The story will strike a chord with children who have Asperger's Syndrome, as well as educate other children about the condition in a way they can relate to. Leo e polvo" explora a dinâmica de uma criança que tem Síndrome de Asperger, uma perturbação do espectro do autismo, e parte da experiência individual da autora enquanto mãe de uma criança autista. I am a teacher of special needs and have sisters who also have special needs, so when the opportunity to review a children’s book based on a boy with autism, I jumped at the chance!

Leo and the Octopus Book Review - BooksForTopics Leo and the Octopus Book Review - BooksForTopics

Sensitively illustrated by Chris Nixon, this story looks at how young Leo often is overwhelmed by his senses: lights become too bright, noises too loud. Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc. Por isso, porque não recorrer a livros infantis que promovam o desenvolvimento da inteligência emocional nos mais novos, da empatia e da melhoria da interação entre crianças e entre crianças e adultos? I first chose the book because of its beautiful cover, and was pleasantly surprised with the story's message of inclusivity. Cada criança tem as suas especificidades, a sua realidade, as suas dificuldades que necessita de transpor, mas necessita, ao mesmo tempo, de se sentir abraçada por quem a rodeia e os livros infantis podem ajudar nesse processo de fazermos com que as nossas crianças desenvolvam a consciência da necessidade de terem comportamentos inclusivos na sua vida em relação a todas as pessoas com quem se venham a relacionar.

They will explore and discuss how everyone is different and how it is important to be considerate and respectful to how individuals feel. The book is beautifully illustrated, though I found that the busyness of some of the pages slightly jarred with Leo’s need for calm and quiet.

Leo and the Octopus - Farmyard Books | Brand Partner with Leo and the Octopus - Farmyard Books | Brand Partner with

After all, animals, especially misunderstood ones, just want someone to reach out and show some compassion. It can allow children to understand others with ASD and give children with ASD something to relate to. Isabelle Marinov has written a sensitive portrayal of the challenges of autism in her picture book Leo and the Octopus.Leo and Octopus, by Isabelle Marinov, illustrated by Chris Nixon, is a sensitive and perceptive story about a little boy who struggles to make sense of the world until he meets Maya the octopus. With fun activities, colouring and tips to help children explore what autism means, alongside guidance for parents and caregivers. Turning the pages, each illustration by Chris Nixon looks like a separate piece of modern art, with vibrant colour palettes that fill out to the edges and work in unison with the story. His empathy and concern allow Leo to solve his own puzzle, figuring out how he might support and protect his new friend. A child feeling out of place and finding friendship with an animal is so realistic that I couldn’t help but fall in love with Leo.