Heel erg anders (Very different)
Author/ Illustrator: Shiuan-Wen Chu
Original language: Chinese
Translated into English: not
Published: April 2013
Publishers: Xtra
ISBN: 9789490759513
Price: 16.90 euro
Age: adults
By exception no childrens boek today but Heel erg anders, written en illustrated by Taiwanse Shiuan-Wen Chu who is living in Rotterdam. The byline of the book is "the ups and downs of a mother and her autistic son. I know about autism what most people know about it, not very much.
For me this book was a beautiful surprise. I have read it with pleasure and learned so much. Beautiful, a book that brings understanding for these children and for their parents, because it is such a difficult task!
Shiuan-Wen Chu discovers her son Lennert has autistic disorder when he is four years old. She wants the same for her child as any mother wants, give him a carefree childhood and a happy life. But how do you do that if your child is not the same as other children?
The story is very openly written. Directly from the field you read about the obstacles the family faces but you also empathize with the many beautiful moments. Shiuan-Wen and Lennert learn to manage together, by trial and error. The to the point drawings make the story come alive for you, as a reader. Sometimes they are funny but they move you as well.
This book is an eye-opener for any parent. If you have a special child yourself, but even if you know of it sideways. Maybe there's a special child in your kid's classroom. Then, by reading this book you get a better understanding of what the child and the parents go through. So read this book, we warmly recommend it! (Sadly it's not translated into English).
3 bright light spreading, heartwarming stars for Heel erg anders (Very, very different)!