Sundays with Matthew

This unique and engagingly illustrated children's book is based on the author's experience working with a fifth grader with autism, helping him recognize his own and others' emotions and, in general, interact with people. Playing on the visual strengths of many on the spectrum, the content of this book comes directly from sketchbooks featuring the drawings of both the child and the adult. Beyond being a fascinating read, the concept can be replicated with other children.

REVIEWS FROM AMAZON.COM:

Classroom Use, May 3, 2006
Reviewer: K. Palmer (Ft. Lauderdale, FL United States)
This book, written for the elementary grades, offers a glimpse of what autistic children face and feel. It would be a good book for teachers to use for disability awareness or to read to classes during autism month (April). As autistic children participate more in classroom activities, it is important for other students (and their parents) to understand how they think and react.

Another book worth reading after this book is "The Boy Who Ate Stars" by Sarah Adams (recommended for ages 9-14).

This Book is Outstanding, April 25, 2006
Reviewer: D. Przybyla "Fine Artist" (Seattle, WA)
Not only is this book full of delightfully entertaining drawings, it's also bursting with gems of wisdom about relationships and life in general. The perspective of an autistic child adds a poignant message about what truly matters in life. The Sketchbook Tips at the end of the book can be used by anyone who wants to start drawing but isn't sure how. "Sundays with Matthew" is a wonderful read for kids and adults of any age. It should be required reading in any school that has autistic students. I highly recommend it!

Inspirational, April 13, 2006
Reviewer: Frank Leary "Teacher" (APO, AP United States)
As an educator I have worked with several autistic students over the years and this book is a perfect model for what can be accomplished by these talented children with a little guidance. The book is an inspiration for all those working the field of education as it helps us imagine the possibilties for success that all exceptional learners possess. I read this book to my class and we came up with the idea of "response journaling" through art and text as a classroom project to issues we face daily and throughout the year. This book has given my class the motivation to create similar products. The book is well done and would be a welcome addition to any classroom library, especially if the class includes an autistic student. This book will help the other students in class more clearly understand autism and some issues that surround it. Great read-aloud.

Educational merits, April 1, 2006
Reviewer: R. Morowski
This is a delightful book wtih engaging pictures sure to captivate young readers. The content includes many real life topics that can lead to further discussion beyond the book. As an educator, what I really liked about this book was the fact that Matthew helped write and illustrate it. What a terrific concept to carry over into the classroom!

Art as an autistic therapy, March 28, 2006
Reviewer: M. Mercen (Davie, FL)
Communicating with an autistic child is often a challenge, but this author has found a way for Matthew to express his feelings and emotions through artwork. This is an interesting insight into a way to develop rapport plus provide a measure of self esteem with a challenging child. The artwork is delightful. This book would be a good read for any child and has good tips for any parent of an autistic child.

Tara Tuchel, M.S., CCC-SLP
Author of "My Best Friend Will"
Sweet...and from the heart...this story is a must-have for every elementary school! It teaches kids to accept each other and embrace individuality. Matthew’s drawings add a special touch to this unique book while revealing his rich inner life.

Jill Hudson
Author of "Cabins, Canoes and Campfires: Guidelines for Establishing a Camp for Children
with Autism Spectrum Disorders"
The creative use of art in this memorable book provides an intriguing glance into the mind of a child with an autism spectrum disorder as he perceives and explores the world around him. His personal point of view reflects a broad expression and depth of thought that should be shared with all children and adults as they learn to relate to children with ASD.

Glen O. Sallows, Ph.D.,
President and co-founder of the Wisconsin Early Autism Project
I remember Matthew when he was three years old. He didn’t talk or seem to notice others around him, but he did like to look at books. When he learned to talk and began to play with other kids, he developed a deep interest in trying to understand how things work and why people are the way they are. He asked questions to get others’ ideas and continued to develop his own, but this wasn’t easy for him. He still thinks a lot about things and is forever curious. Talking with Matthew is always intriguing, often eye-opening, and I envy Jeanette Lesada the time she spent with him to work on this remarkable book. Sundays with Matthew portrays some of Matthew’s thoughts, and the illustrations give us important insight into his complex inner life.