By Nancy Carlson and her friend Armond Isaak
Armond goes to a party – a book about Asperger’s and friendship
By Nancy Carlson and her friend Armond Isaak
Illustrations by Nancy Carlson
Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing, Minneapolis. 2014
Reading age 5-9 years
The title of the story book “Armond goes to a party – a book about Asperger’s and friendship” by Nancy Carlson and her friend Armond Isaak is self-explanatory. The storyline is simple and linear. The main character of Armond appears to be based on the “friend” in this authoring duo. The reader is allowed into Armond’s private thoughts and experiences as he prepares for, and attends, a friend’s party. The story allows the reader to experience the party from Armond’s point of view and describes Armond’s sensory experiences with wit and humour, such as when the baby brother’s smelly nappy makes him feel sick, or when the crowd of children becomes overwhelming and Armond tugs his friend’s Mothers’ skirt saying “I need a break”. At this point it is easy to empathize with Armond’s experience and enjoy joining him in a quiet room where he can relax and play lego. The book ends with Armond’s honest and positive assessment of the party and his part in it, which in turn allows connection between himself and his friend.
The full-page colour illustrations are bright and busy, allowing the reader to see the chaos of the party from Armond’s point of view. They feature boys and girls from a racially diverse group, rendered in a cartoon style. Attention is paid to the expressions on Armond’s face.
The book contains an end note to “grown ups” about Asperger’s Syndrome and friendship. This contains quotes from the real-life Armond about his experience of Aspergers, interspersed with explanations and tips for adults to assist children with Aspergers in social situations.
NB: it is the reviewer’s understanding that in 2021 Aspergers is currently considered be part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder, and not a separate diagnosis. Therefore it might be necessary or desirable for the reader to adjust some of the terminology whilst reading or discussing this story.
This is a link to a youtube video of “Armond goes to a party- a book about Asperger’s and friendship” being read aloud.
