At school, Penelope's teacher encourages the class to play with someone new at recess so that they can see that minds, like handprints and snowflakes, are one of a kind. Penelope chooses Eric and they have so much fun she invites him over for a play-date. Before he arrives, Penelope's Mom tells her that Eric's mind is called "on the spectrum," and so his unique preferences might be different from the ones she's used to. To prepare, they practice using quiet voices, listening with their eyes, and being flexible. As their play-date unfolds, Penelope and Eric show readers the many ways that families can embrace neuro-diversity.
Industry Reviews
"Stewie Boom! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes and Play-Dates artfully opens up the dialogue about inclusion , diversity and acceptance. The book is a wonderful introduction for children about these very important and relevant topics. The book also offers very practical advice, to all parents, to make inclusion opportunities successful for everyone. I believe this book is a wonderful tool that will help parents and children alike bridge social gaps and bring the community together. Bravo to the Boom family for being inclusion advocates!" - Brandi Fishman, SN Mom and Zefer Foundation President
"Stewie Boom! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes and Play-Dates provides an approachable introduction into our distinct differences and how to work with and celebrate them." - Maya Fleischmann, Manhattan Book Review
"Reading this delightfully written and illustrated children's book is like discovering a most precious gem in a bounty of lost treasures. Stewie and Penelope's adventures on a play-date reveal the profound joy and benefits afforded by providing the means for children with ALL kinds of minds to socialize and play. The story further brings to light the importance of creating opportunities for children to co-create their own social and imaginary play worlds where inclusion and neurodiversity are valued. This is a meaningful book that both children and adults will adore." - Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D., Professor, San Francisco State University and Founder, Autism Collective for Peer Socialization, Play & Imagination
"Kids and adults alike can benefit from the message in this book, which teaches understanding, compassion, and kindness for all who are different." - Axie Barclay, San Francisco Book Review
"Christine Bronstein...has another hit on her hands with the newest installment of the Stewie Boom! series.... Bronstein discusses the issue of neurodiversity in a way that is relatable to not only adults but children as well. The artwork is vivid and appealing and goes perfectly well with the story being told. It is impossible to read the book without smiling!" - Seattle Book Review
"Stewie and Penelope's adventures on a play-date reveal the profound joy and benefits afforded by providing the means for children with ALL kinds of minds to socialize and play. The story further brings to light the importance of creating opportunities for children to co-create their own social and imaginary play worlds where inclusion and neurodiversity are valued." - Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D., Professor, San Francisco State University and Founder, Autism Collective for Peer Socialization, Play & Imagination, author of Diagnosis Autism: Now What? 10 Steps to Improve Treatment Outcomes - A Parent-Physician Team Approach
"A useful and compassionate tale about inclusivity for kids and parents."-- Kirkus Reviews
"This book captivated me right away with its joyous illustrations, and it provides some great inspiration for ideas for teachers and parents looking to interact with families of children on the spectrum and teach their children about inclusivity." - L. P. Kaplan, Ph.D., Chairman and Founder, US Autism & Asperger Association
