Me and My Sister

A brief preface notes that Robbins (Elena’s Shells) grew up with an autistic brother and is active in Inclusive Minds, “an organization that promotes diversity and equality in children’s literature.” The words “autism” or “differently abled” are never used in the text itself, taking the book beyond one about labels; instead, it’s about how it feels to have a family member who experiences life differently from oneself. The narrator, a yellow, anthropomorphized critter with soulful eyes, explains that his sister “doesn’t use words” and “doesn’t always like hugs.” She can act abruptly at home (“Sometimes my sister is rude to Nanna”) and in public (“Poo Dee Poo/ Dee Pooo!!” she shouts), and isn’t held to the same standards that he is (“I get told off... and my sister doesn’t”). But the narrator also sees and respects his sibling as a person in her own right, and he knows that she loves to laugh, dance, get dirty in the park, and burp with him. Rendered with thick, crayonlike outlines and washes of soft, cheery color, this is a sensitive, realistic, ultimately optimistic portrait of what it means to confront difficult feelings and connect with others. Ages 3–7. [em](Apr.) [/em]