Leo and the Octopus

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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! This story shows a strong relationship between an octopus and a child with autism. The text has strong PSHE and science links. This text explores issues around neurodiversity and provides opportunities for discussion as well as exploring strategies to cope in a neurotypical world. The story also encourages children to be curious and reflect on their relationship with the natural world. Links and themes:

Leo and the Octopus — Isabelle Marinov Leo and the Octopus — Isabelle Marinov

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. ‘Sensitive, accurate and perceptive’ Leo and the Octopus is a beautiful story about finding comfort in others, even when differences divide you from others. An excellent book to help classes in KS2 understand and empathise with how children on the autistic spectrum experience the world ― School Reading ListMarinov's experience with autism comes from her son, and her reading of 'The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome' by Tony Attwood - a (as far as I know, neurotypical) controversial psychologist who still uses the term Asperger's/Aspie despite it's outdated terminology, and reviewed the story for Marinov. Leo struggles to make sense of the world. He doesn't understand the other children in his class, and they don't seem to understand him. But then one day, Leo meets Maya.

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

The sensitive descriptions throughout the book of what it is like to have autism are accurate and perceptive on so many levels" (Professor Tony Attwood, author of Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals). Text Rationale: Maya is an octopus, and the more Leo learns about her, the more he thinks that perhaps he isn’t alone in this world, after all. Win a copy of the book and a mood-changing octopus plushie! Endorsed by Professor Tony Atwood, author of Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals An excellent picture book to help classes in KS2 understand and empathise with how children on the autistic spectrum experience the world’ I was graciously offered a physical copy of Leo and the Octopus, and I was very excited to read it. Such a sweet story with a powerful message.Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Leo and the Octopus by Isabelle Marinov, Chris Nixon

My children have Aspergers syndrome and over the years we have struggled to find a book that they could relate to, and a book that my husband and myself could understand what go through their minds, Buy from our bookstore and 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice to buy more books. *15% of eBooks. Home > Leo struggles to make sense of the world. He doesn't understand the other children in his class, and they don't seem to understand him. But then one day, Leo meets Maya. Maya is an octopus, and the more Leo learns about her, the more he thinks that perhaps he isn't alone in this world, after all. About This Edition ISBN: This book beautifully highlights, explores and explains how our world can feel like an alien planet to some children. Leo, a child with Asperger's syndrome, develops a connection with Maya the octopus, a creature he feels he has much in common with.

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Isabelle Marinov first started writing when her parents bought her a typewriter for her ninth birthday. She went on to work in law for fifteen years before returning to her lifelong passion for writing full time. She has now written a range of picture book and screenplays, but Boy Underground is her first middle grade novel. Isabelle is a graduate of Cornell Law School and lives in Luxembourg. When she is not writing, she can be found on the tennis court or in the dojo. She speaks four languages fluently. Leo struggles to make sense of the world. He doesn’t understand the other children in his class, and they don’t seem to understand him. But then one day, Leo meets Maya. One afternoon Leo notes that a particularly large, noisy crowd is stressing out Maya. (Read this wonderful book to discover how he knew that.) His empathy and concern allow Leo to solve his own puzzle, figuring out how he might support and protect his new friend. Leo's experience with Maya (being curious, non judgmental, and learning more) allow him to apply those strategies with an actual human, one who appears curious, too.

Leo and the Octopus - Peters Fraser and Dunlop (PFD) Literary

This is a great book to read with children and help them understand that making friends can be challenging for some. That sometimes we just need to have some understanding and that can make a big difference in someone’s life. Maya is an octopus, and the more Leo learns about her, the more he thinks that perhaps he isn't alone in this world, after all. The sensitive descriptions throughout the book of what it is like to have autism are accurate and perceptive on so many levels’. Not everyone can read social cues, or infer how someone else is feeling: how much simpler things could be if we just telegraphed our feelings more directly, like by turning a specific color when we felt a particular way. I appreciated how this book approaches a need for clearer communication by turning to the octopus.Discover a heart-warming new picture book about a little boy with autism and the octopus who helps him understand the world. Isabelle Marinov has written a sensitive portrayal of the challenges of autism in her picture book Leo and the Octopus. 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. He finds refuge in a dark, cardboard box, where he can reset himself when everything feels out of control. Then, one day Leo meets Maya, an octopus who seems to react similarly to uncomfortable situations – turning red when she is frightened, and white when she’s calm. Leo understands how Maya is feeling and identifies similar traits in himself. Through his relationship with Maya, Leo begins to look at the world through someone else’s eyes and to understand their difficulties, which enables him to make his first human friend.