Ian's Walk

 

Title: Ian's Walk

Author: Laurie Lears

Illustrator: Karen Ritz

Age: 5-10

 

This book offers an engaging window into autism, viewed through the eyes of his older sister. On a visit to the park, we see how Ian interacts with the world around him--what he likes to smell, what he likes to listen to, what he likes to watch. I liked the fact the author begins with the sister's annoyance with her sibling, and then displays her care and consideration when she indulges Ian in all his 'different' perspectives.

I thought the story really highlighted how a sibling might feel and react if their brother or sister had this disorder, and that it managed to address those concerns without being either overly optimistic or to negative.  The narrative affirms such siblings' experiences, offering them emotional support, while also providing a vehicle for discussion. The accompanying artwork captures the emotional pitch of each scene very accurately.