Title: All My Stripes
Author: Shaina Rudolph & Danielle Royer
Illustrator: Jennifer Zivoin
Age Group: Ages 3-8
Synopsis: Zane works through his frustration regarding his autism with his mother’s help.
The Lowdown:
Bug doesn’t have autism but that really doesn’t make a difference in how we enjoy and appreciate All My Stripes. This book not only informs readers of possible challenges children with autism might face but also is an amazing message of self-appreciation. Through thoughtful text and illustrations, Rudolph, Royer, and Zivoin create a book that supports all children feeling unhappy with themselves and offers unique insight into autism.
Zane, a little zebra, comes home from school visibly upset. He explains to his mother how he felt disconnected from his class the whole day. His aversion to audio and tactile stimulus (shown as finger paint and a fire alarm) made him feel left out from the class. He wasn’t able to communicate with his classmates later and was confused by the literal understanding of an idiom. Zane’s mother is understanding and thoughtful. She points out some of the other stripes that Zane has: his honesty, caring, curiosity, and pilot stripes (always finding his way). Without these AND his autism stripe Zane wouldn’t be who he is.
Zivoin does an exceptional job of transforming these adorable little zebras. Each one is unique as she uses a balance of geometric and curvy stripes. She integrates Zane’s strengths into these using well known symbols to grant another layer of understanding to the story. The zebras’ manes, stripes, and clothes all set them apart and really accent the personality differences we all have. The result is playful and poignant.
As with many of the books that are published by Magination Press, there is a reading guide in the back of the book. It discusses how to support your child and understand their struggles. While it says it is specifically for children with autism, the advice is universally helpful when dealing with children who feeling low in confidence. Additionally, there is another section discussing how to identify signs of autism and how to help support children that fall within the autism spectrum. My mother works with children who are autistic and she often says that they all are different (hence the spectrum) in their strengths and challenges but this book is a great introduction.
Story Tips:
- Read the support sections in the back first before you read the book with your little one. This way you can assist in identifying what and why things are happening in the story.
- Check out our follow along craft in the Crafty Corner.
I need more!
Magination Press has a great range of books available here: www.apa.org/pubs/magination
This is a first book for both Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer.
Jennifer Zovoin also illustrated our previously reviewed Fantastic You. Check out more of her work here: http://www.jzartworks.com/portfolio/
