Annie’s mother is worried about what other people will think, but what about Annie’s comfort in her clothes? Her mother wants her to wear a dress to her uncle’s wedding, but Annie hates dresses. Davids, illustrated by Rachael BalsaitisĪnnie is a little girl who wears her favorite plaid shirt all the time. It provides hope of acceptance and belonging. Neither is a wonderful story for kids who feel different. Will Neither find a place that accepts him? Neither is too “rabbit” for the birds and too “bird” for the rabbits. The rabbits and birds call him “Neither” because he doesn’t fit in with any of them. Then another critter is born, who is part rabbit and part bird. Once upon a time there was a land in which everyone was either a rabbit or a bird. Will they learn to understand Red and appreciate him for his unique strengths? All the other crayons and art supplies accuse him of not trying and attempt to “fix” him. But when Red tries to make red drawings, he continually fails. A blue crayon is in a red wrapper, so all the other crayons assume that he’s red.

This story was written as an allegory for being transgender, but I decided to include it because some people have commented that it also works nicely as an allegory for being on the autism spectrum.

On the cover of Imagine a World, for example, a brick path turns into a birds-eye-view of a city! If your child is the creative type, these books are a perfect feast for the eyes and an exercise for the imagination. Imagine a Night, Imagine a Day, Imagine a Place, and Imagine a World are picture books with surreal illustrations by artist Rob Gonsalvez. Some of these deal with being “different”, but most are just fun, silly, and entertaining. The holiday season is just about here! Your child might have compiled a wish list for Santa, but why not throw in a last-minute surprise along with the expected gifts? What could be a better surprise for your child than a book? I have compiled a list of ten picture books that I hope will appeal to autistic children up to age eight.

Annie's Plaid Shirt by Stacy B. Davids