Bear: A Story of Autism and Difference

by Val Jones, Anna Granger (Editor), Leanne Coelho (Illustrator)

Follow Bear through a journey of self-discovery, autism understanding and acceptance by the other bears. This heart-warming and accessible story about a bear with autism, gently shares information about the challenges that individuals on the autism spectrum can face with daily living, and also appreciates their strengths. In addition to learning about autism, children will enjoy finding fun details in the delightful illustrations by Leanne Coelho, such as finding Dino and looking for Bear's shoes. Bear is gender-neutral, with no use of pronouns, so is inclusive for all. ' A Story of Autism and Difference' provides a valuable resource for all children, families and professionals. For over 15 years, author Val Jones has worked with children and young people on the autism spectrum as a specialist advisory teacher. Bear's first picture book promotes acceptance for all 'just as they are.'

32 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2022

Reviews

[Lindsey Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book! In the story, Bear is a Bear, who has autism. I love how the book explains Bear’s strengths and differences because we ALL have strengths and differences! I appreciate that this book doesn’t imply that all people with autism have these exact same experiences, but this book is about Bear, and Bear’s experiences!! Such an important topic for all children (and adults) to understand! Thanks to Val for showing the world how we can understand and include regardless of our differences!

[Joanna Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so pleased to see books like this, that are not only a wonderful story but also educate and inform children about neurodiversity. This is a beautiful book to sit down with any child and explore autism and bring awareness to those who struggle to understand neurodiversity.
This is a book belongs on every child’s book shelf, at home, at school and every library. If you don’t have it then I suggest you get a copy.
The illustrations by Leanne Coelho are so warm and welcoming that they complement the writing beautifully.

[Sarah Ventura-Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, Bear: A Story of Autism and Difference by Val Jones shares information about the challenges but also about the strengths of those who have been diagnosed with autism in a way that children of all ages can understand. I absolutely love that Bear is gender neutral with no use of pronouns. The illustrations are cute, colourful and my children loved searching for Dino and looking for Bears shoes. This story was heart warming and should be on every child’s bookshelf.

[Zowie Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a primary educator for over 20years , I have taught many children with autism, and raising awareness of what this may look like to gain both individual and collective understanding is a challenge. This beautiful book, perfectly captures the many emotions, thoughts, feelings, likes, dislikes of a child who has autism, through the character of a loveable bear.
This adorable and unique character, will be relatable for many children, providing great
opportunities to discuss their own feelings or those displayed by others to develop a better awareness.
Bear is also gender-neutral with no use of pronouns so that any child can relate to this story too. The illustrations are delightful and bring some fun with a task ti find Bear's shoes, Dino and a secret 'hunt the difference' activity for children to enjoy too.
I can’t wait to share this with the children and my colleagues. A beautiful book and great resource.

[Veronika Darwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is inviting us to replace judgements with understanding. It invites us to take the learning journey with the Bear and to see other people through a brand new lens. I love the way the illustrator played with the colours and how the author gently introduced Autism, so even the smallest children can empathise and invite difference into their world. Thanks to understanding, we can remove judgements and invite acceptance. This book is a great tool that helps us make changes within our schools as well as our wider communities. At the end of the day 'Bear is still a bear.'

[Ann Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am adding her wonderful book and resources to my recommendations when I do ASD training for Primary schools.

This book is a heartfelt and educational story of a young bear with autism. It looks at how he is different to his peers and how with understanding of how his autism presents acceptance is possible. Different aspects of Bear’s autism are explained in the story making it an excellent starting point for explaining and discussing autism with children.