Augie and the Monster Thieves
by Gisele Lima, Jeff West
Augie and the Monster Thieves by Gisele Lima is a thrilling adventure book that follows the journey of Augie, a unique character who is both autistic and possesses extraordinary abilities. Augie's day takes an exciting turn when he meets Mila, a young girl who believes that something precious for her has been stolen. Together, Augie and Mila embark on a fun adventure that takes them through unfamiliar territories where they encounter various challenges. Along the way, Augie's superpowers come in handy, and his unique perspective on the world helps him navigate situations that would otherwise be impossible for most. In this book for kids about autism, the central theme is celebrating differences and showing that everyone has something special to offer. The author expertly integrates subtle behaviors commonly linked with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including the use of sensory management tools worn by Augie, into the fabric of the storyline in this book with pictures. This inclusive story aims to remove some of the stigma associated with autism and promotes autism awareness. It is a heartwarming tale that inspires readers to embrace their uniqueness and highlights the importance of empathy and friendship. This autism toddler book is perfect for children and adults alike who enjoy action, adventure, and learning about different perspectives.
Paperback
Brand New
Author Biography
Gisele Lima is a children's book author, and proud mom to her son Ethan, who inspires her to tell stories that raise awareness and help empower those on the Autism Spectrum. Originally from Brazil, she now resides in Los Angeles, California with her son, their guinea pigs Mario & Luigi and their hamster Brenda.
Review
Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' FavoriteChildren with autism may have difficulty relating to others. However, they also have the desire and ability to make friends. Gisele Lima shares a story that subtly explains some qualities of children with autism. Augie and the Monster Thieves is about a little yeti named Augie who is on the autism spectrum and has developed senses. One day, while looking through his collection of antique objects, he hears a little girl crying and goes in search of her. When they meet, she is still sad and greets him, but he doesn't respond. It is because Augie's mind captures everything, like the scent in the air or the colors of the flowers. A short time later, he returns her greeting. They introduce themselves, and Mila, the little girl, explains that she has lost her grandmother's necklace and thinks some monsters have taken it. So Augie offers to help her.
I liked Augie and the Monster Thieves because the story not only talks about autism but also highlights the value of friendship. One moment significant to me is when Augie meets Mila because it clearly shows this type of interaction. There are children on the autism spectrum that sometimes become distracted by everything around them, so their way of responding may be different. But throughout, Gisele Lima appropriately conveys details about autism as part of the story. In addition, the illustrations are colorful and reflect each situation. For all these reasons, it will help children better understand autism and develop empathy.
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