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Baj and the Word Launcher: Space Age Asperger Adventures in Communication
"Awwwwesommme!" Anda whispered as Baj unfurled the cape.
Baj was speechless as the cape waved and swirled in the air, almost as if it had a life of its own. Baj lives on the planet Aular and in many ways is like any other kid, but he has trouble keeping eye contact, waiting his turn in conversation and understanding instructions. Will Baj ever get good at working out how other people feel and why? How can he control his "jumbly" words when he's upset or mad? When Baj is given a special present - a magical communication kit - he has the chance to discover the complex rules of social skills. An invisible Calming Cape comforts his body, making it easier to keep his cool in difficult situations; a Word Launcher guides him in choosing the best words for the situation; and Listening Aids help him spot the most important words when people talk. Do these magical instruments mean Baj will become a strong communicator? And can he learn to communicate without them? To see, join Baj on his flying bicycle as he ventures on space age adventures in communication! This entertaining adventure story will capture children's imaginations while exploring the complexities of the social world. Children can read about Baj's experiences independently or with a parent or helper, and the reader can learn about body language and the unspoken rules of communication. Parents and teachers can also use this book to teach social skills to children in storytelling groups. "Stop and Think" questions that pepper the book prompt the reader to think about how they feel and react to events in the story, offering opportunities for individualized learning.
Baj was speechless as the cape waved and swirled in the air, almost as if it had a life of its own. Baj lives on the planet Aular and in many ways is like any other kid, but he has trouble keeping eye contact, waiting his turn in conversation and understanding instructions. Will Baj ever get good at working out how other people feel and why? How can he control his "jumbly" words when he's upset or mad? When Baj is given a special present - a magical communication kit - he has the chance to discover the complex rules of social skills. An invisible Calming Cape comforts his body, making it easier to keep his cool in difficult situations; a Word Launcher guides him in choosing the best words for the situation; and Listening Aids help him spot the most important words when people talk. Do these magical instruments mean Baj will become a strong communicator? And can he learn to communicate without them? To see, join Baj on his flying bicycle as he ventures on space age adventures in communication! This entertaining adventure story will capture children's imaginations while exploring the complexities of the social world. Children can read about Baj's experiences independently or with a parent or helper, and the reader can learn about body language and the unspoken rules of communication. Parents and teachers can also use this book to teach social skills to children in storytelling groups. "Stop and Think" questions that pepper the book prompt the reader to think about how they feel and react to events in the story, offering opportunities for individualized learning.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 7, 2016
Generally a good book that can help you discuss emotions with (younger) kids with "high functioning" ASD (might be good if they do like sci-fi or any other futuristic thing). Personally, though, I would have found it too illogical to like it as a kid and I think that in general is better with a more factual way to describe emotions for ASD kids (which can be used together with any special interest the person have).
July 31, 2008
About a boy with Asperger's who uses space age technology to learn to communicate better. Plot is sparse, the language is overblown and the setting is unbelievable. Does have questions to let kids think about communicating better but they are too either ridiculous or hard to understand. Reviewed for the Dolly Gray Award.
September 12, 2012
If you have a son or daughter that has poor social skills, this is an excellent book to read together. There are many areas to dIscuss and work on together. It kept my son's attention because being an aspie kid, he loves space and sci to.
I would recommend this book.
I would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews