PPBF: I'm Here

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On to today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick



I'm Here, by Peter H. Reynolds

I'm Here
Written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Atheneum Books For Young Readers, 2011
Ages 4-8


Themes:
Autism, Friendship, Fitting In


Opening:
Can you hear it? Voices. Splashes upon splashes of sound.

I hear it all like one big noise. A big drum. Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.

They are there.

I am here.


Synopsis:
A boy sits by himself on the playground, but when he constructs a paper airplane and stays true to himself, he finds a friend. Through simple pictures and dialogue, the book expresses the isolation some kids experience because of their autism.


What I Love:
By the second page, I could see my autistic friend's personality shining from the mc, though I had no idea this book was inspired by a real boy on the spectrum. In perfect Peter Reynolds style, I'm Here explores and explains what it's like for some kids with autism. A beautifully illustrated tale of friendship.


Bonus: 


1. The above short film was commissioned by the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center in 2007. It's not as effective as the book, but worth seeing.
2. Educate yourself on the SAARC website, or get involved in their F.R.I.E.N.D. program to learn strategies for interacting with children on the Autism spectrum and as importantly, teaching our children how to strengthen their friendships with kids with ASD.
3. Explore Fablevision's website. The animation company, brainchild of Peter H. Reynolds, produces fabulous educational and entertainment software and short subject cartoons.
4. Visit Teaching Community to learn 22 tips for supporting autistic students in the classroom.
5. Visit Autism Speaks for 10 things parents of kids on the spectrum wish you knew.
6. Choose one of a dozen paper airplane styles from Fun Paper Airplanes, from beginner to advanced with instructions and downloadable templates.
7.  Blue Skies Ahead has invented a simple, fun paper airplane flight school.
8. Creative Youth Ideas uses paper airplane games to help kids build their relationship with God as well as with others.
9. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.



Reviewed by Sn Taylor

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Reviewed by Erik 

Reviewed by Joanne








Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, September 16, 2016 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.