[.ca] Tacos Anyone?/alguien Quiere Tacos?: An Autism Story/una ... (ISBN 193331902X)

A beautiful, inspirational book designed to help children relate to their autistic peers:
Maybe you're looking at this book and wondering what tacos could possibly have to do with autism. A taco's a taco, right? And what do you do with a taco? You eat it. It couldn't be simpler. You don't even have to think about it. It turns out, however, that you've got it all wrong; no one can eat the kind of tacos referred to in this book. I haven't even gotten to the story yet, but this little exercise alone does a great job of showing you what this book is all about. Tacos Anyone? is all about describing some of the characteristics of the autistic child and helping his/her loved ones (especially young siblings) relate to his/her special needs. And to understand the autistic child, you have to step back and change your way of thinking (just like your conception of tacos will change as you get into this story), and it takes a conscious effort to do that each and every time. Young Thomas already knows that his little brother Michael has autism. He doesn't know what that means exactly, but he does know that he isn't very successful when he tries to get Michael to play with him. He's also bothered by some of the things Michael does for no apparent reason. That's when Michael's therapist comes into the story. First, we see some of the exercises and activities she does with Michael, but then we see her bring Thomas in as well and show him how to better communicate with his little brother. This kind of family involvement is vital in the life of the autistic child, and author Marvie Ellis really succeeds at showing how therapy is for the family as well as the autistic child. An autistic child can have the greatest therapist in the world, but he/she will never reach his/her true potential without the love, support, and assistance of loved ones. Just like Keisha's Doors, this second book in the Autism Story Book series communicates a wonderful, heart-warming message and would surely benefit anyone who deals directly or indirectly with an autistic child. It is especially good at helping the brothers and sisters of autistic children understand and better relate to their special siblings. The book's dual language format (English and Spanish), along with the wonderfully expressive illustrations of Jenny Loehr, give it a broad, intercultural appeal. Tacos Anyone? truly conveys a most inspirational message and spirit.

It's Time For Tacos!:
I just love this book and feel it does an invaluable service. I like the fact there is a Spanish translation. That makes the book more accessible to a wider audience and is also a good form of cultural sharing. I want more books like this. Thomas is nonplussed as to what makes his younger brother Michael tick. Michael has autism and Thomas makes many good faith efforts to interact with him. I love the way the brothers and other charactes are protrayed; this book gives a realistic presentation of how autism affects ALL members of a family, especially siblings. I like the way autism is explained and I think this book, along with Ellis' other masterpiece KEISHA's DOORS are masterpieces. This book, along with KEISHA's DOORS deserves a place of honor along with LOOKING AFTER LOUIS. It's time for tacos and it is time for this book. Be sure to add this one to your autism library and share it with somebody. This is an excellent teaching tool for all ages and it is a good reminder that we all really are our brother's keeper.