Gus the Asparagus

Gus the Asparagus by Kaylene Hobson illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)

PB RRP: $19.95

ISBN 9780992523992

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

The Green family (made up of a selection of adorable vegetables) love their peculiar little Gus the Asparagus just the way he is. But when Gus starts school it becomes clear that Gus doesn’t quite fit in and doesn’t understand the rules. And now Gus no longer wants to go to school.

Mum takes Gus to the Doctor who diagnoses him with ‘Asparagus Syndrome’. There is relief when everyone finally understands why Gus is different, and how they are able to support him.

This is an attractive book; the illustrations by Ann-Marie Finn, featuring vegetables with googly eyes are fun and strangely endearing.

The page where the vegetables at school are having a rolling competition and Gus tries to roll lengthways made me laugh and it illustrates perfectly just how differently Gus thinks. 

This short picture book has relatable characters for those families who live with a child with Asperger’s syndrome, and especially for the child itself.

The story, inspired Kaylene Hobson’s own experiences, however, is not a story of woe, instead it uplifts and recognises and accepts the eccentricities of the asparaguses’ around us.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture books, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

The Hidden Diffability: Discovering Aspergers

The Hidden Diffability: Discovering Aspergers by Lyndel Kennedy, foreword by Dr Richard Eisenmajer (Blasck Publishing)

RRP  $10 e-book; PB $39.95

ISBN 978-0-9873505-0-3 (ebk) and 978-0-9873505-1-0 (PB)

Available at www.amazon.com/dp/BOO92DL4ME Dymocks, Readings

www.hiddendiffability.com

Reviewed by Hazel Edwards

Reading Ambassador www.hazeledwards.com

A timely book, in different formats too.

This is one of the first e-books I have read on my iPad. I also gave a print copy to my psychologist friend who counsels many families and another to a busy mother of students in the age range of these families. In either the electronic or print format, this book is a valuable resource for continuing reference.

It is also very accessible reading, which is why this collection is significant. It deals with the real questions which families face and contains strategies for everyday practicalities relating to diagnosis, finding an appropriate school, applying for funding support and the final question, of educating non-Aspie families too.

The ‘Hidden Diffability’ title appealed to me, as did the emphasis upon the positive aspects of Asperger Syndrome. Fifteen families are interviewed but these are representative of much more research behind this book.

The strength of this Autism Spectrum collection is in the range of viewpoints, logical structure, excellent editing and cover, but also in having real experiences to share. Vocabulary and terms are explained. No-one wants to insult or alienate by inadvertently using ‘a label’ which others find offensive. I’ve learnt it’s okay to say ‘Aspie’, but it’s even better to talk about ‘diffabilities’.

Author Lyndel Kennedy is to be commended. Two more books are planned in the series and will cover Aspergers at School and Everyday Aspergers. Lyndel also maintains the website of the Aspergers Syndrome Support Network www.assnvic.org.au and is a parent support group facilitator. She is a writer, researcher, editor, webmaster (mistress) and mother of three. www.hiddendiffability.com is where she publishes Asperger-related information.

I’m glad I went to the launch. Lyndel is also a ‘Hazelnut’, a self-named group of writing mentorees who have helped each other in the process of getting their important books written and published. All were at the launch.