Why Does Davey Do That is a Children's Picture Book to help raise awareness about Autism. It is not intended to teach you all about the disorder. It is only intended to help spread a kind message to young children who may have a child with Autism in their classroom or neighborhood. It is cute, heart filled, and it will bring a smile to your face.
This children's book was created around a poem that I wrote for my nephew, David. He is the sweetest, funniest, most loving boy that I know. His beauty is amazing.
$1 from every papterback sold will be donated to Autism Speaks.
Autism Speaks Mission:
To change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. Their fundraising dollars go towards fulfilling this mission. As an organization, they do this through science, awareness, family services and advocacy.
Jennifer Lang Boehl is a renowned Children's book author known for her unique rhyming style and deep love for imagination. Born and raised in Upstate New York, Jennifer's passion for storytelling began at an early age and has been a driving force in her life ever since. Drawing inspiration from her family and friends, Jennifer infuses her narratives with authenticity and warmth. She is married to a firefighter, and they have twin daughters, who are often featured in her stories.
To help raise awareness for Autism, Jennifer Lang Boehl wrote this story based on her nephew, Davey, who has Autism. A portion of the proceeds from her book will be donated to Walk Now for Autism Speaks Central New York and Rochester Communities! She is the author of That's Mine Sissy, the first story in her Sissy Series, as well as, a soon to be published young adult novel, Spirit Hunters. Keep a watch out for this up and coming author!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I am torn as to how to rate this book. While it seems that Ms. Boehl does quite well in addressing some of Autism's key points (I say "seems" because I don't possess the level of knowledge about Autism to be more sure), her use of words and the cadence of her rhythms is inconsistent: Many of the words are well chosen, with the rhyming words adding to the reader's understanding of Davey. But some of the words seem to be added more because they rhyme than because they are the best words. The same with the rhythms: At times, they flow well (maybe a mother or father could even create some music to complement the words); but occasionally there are too many or too few syllables, which trips up the flow. Since Ms. Boehl hits it on the head during much of the book, I think if she just spent a little more time on it she might have created a small classic. As it stands, I wonder if some might scan the pages and move on rather than buying her book.
With that said, I do applaud her efforts, and her heart. There is much good within, and her desire to educate children about Autism and to help raise money for the cause is noble.
I won this book through First Reads and waited eagerly (it seemed like forever) for it to arrive. I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed in it. The photos were great. The examples of behavior talked about in the book- making folks line up, yelling for no reason, etc- were accurate and good choices. There just was something about it that didn't work. Definitely not a book I could share with my kids as I had hoped. It seemed more like an attempt at a poem than a children's book and not in a way that worked. I especially didn't like that it went from one or two sentences per page to larger chunks of text without a sort of smooth build. Perhaps I'm being to harsh, maybe it just didn't fit what I was hoping it'd be- a book to read to my children and others to help understand why sometimes my brother and other autistic kids might act a little "different". Really just didn't strike me as a kid-friendly book though.
A very short book that really doesn't do much other than say accept your peer, he is just special. Although I am glad that the author attempted to help younger kids learn and accept those with autism, I feel that even with the age they were address, more could have been done. Such as, some kids are left handed because their brain/mind feels like that is right for them. aThe author. ould than say, Davey has a brain that thinks or is a bit different but that just means he has to learn ways of doing things, just as those who write with left hands need to learn how to deal with different situations. I am not sure if thats the best example as I am not left handed nor do I have kids, but I do have autism (mid to high). I wasn't understood as a kid and I am only 30 and it seems like people are going in a direction that won't help. We don't need to be singled out so much. Just taught how to cope with what fo us is a hostile world.
Ok, This is a very heartfelt little book, by an author that really loves her nephew. Now, I was expecting more of a story that would help kids understand kids can be different but still wonderful. Unfortunately this is a bit over simplified. Its really a poem with cute photos. It is really sweet, just not what I was expecting. I love that part of the proceeds of the book go to aid autism awareness. Overall it is cute, but I don't think kids would get much out of it. The poem itself has a few spots that don't flow, like there are to many words for the sentence. Anyway, Cute story.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I was not paid for my review. The opinions are my own.
I had really high hopes for this book. As someone who has a sibling with autism and works with autistic children, I have often thought I would be great to have a book that can help other kids relate to these special people. Unfortunately, this is not that book.
The book starts off well, going into some of the behaviors displayed by autistic kids, but somehow the more the story goes on, it just loses me. I felt that the lessons the author wanted us to get were lost in the rhymes (which seemed forced). I would have liked to have seen more behaviors addressed (like playing alone, avoiding eye contact, etc.) and how kids could befriend a child with autism.
I have received this book in exchange for an honest review. I really liked this book! I am a special education teacher and after I read this I thought it would be perfect to use with my students or with students in regular education classroom who do not understand why children diagnosed with autism do some of the things that they do. Beautifully written!
This is a beautiful book that will help young children understand peers with autism. It would work well also as a book to be given to a child with autism so that he oe she can see their world illustrated in a positive, beautiful way.
Won through Goodreads first reads giveaway. this book does a fantastic job in raising autism awareness. It is a great children's book! I enjoyed reading it too. Thanks!