Kid Konnection: Celebrating Autism Awareness

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a new Golden Book with a new character!

Summary: We’re Amazing 1,2,3! is the first Sesame Street storybook to focus on autism, which, according to the most recent US government survey, may, in some form, affect as many as one in forty-five children. It’s part of Sesame Street’s autism initiative that has expanded to include a new character with autism. Elmo introduces his longtime friend Julia to Abby, who’s a little confused at first because Julia isn’t saying hello. Elmo explains that Julia has autism, so she does things a little differently. Julia sometimes avoids direct eye contact, flaps her arms when she’s excited, and is sensitive to some noises. But Abby soon learns that she also has a lot of things in common with Julia. All kids want love, friendship, and to have fun! They are all wonderful, each in his or her own way. -- Golden Books

April is National Autism Awareness Month and I thought it would be a great time to share the picture book WE'RE AMAZING 1, 2, 3!: A STORY ABOUT FRIENDSHIP AND AUTISM. This book is a Golden Book (remember those from when you were a kid?), and it's geared towards children three to seven years old. What makes this book so special (besides being about Sesame Street characters) is that it spotlights autism.

WE'RE AMAZING 1, 2, 3! is a very cute storybook that also teaches children about others who have autism. Many of you are probably familiar with Julia, Elmo's friend who has autism. In this picture book, Elmo introduces his friend Abby to Julia. Abby is confused because Julia doesn't say hello -- that's not how she was expecting to be treated. Elmo, the great friend that he is, explains Abby's behavior to Julia. For instance, Julia doesn't always look people in the eyes, and she doesn't like noise. She also flaps her arms when she gets excited.

Abby learns that she and Julia actually have a lot more in common than not. These three friends discover that they are all different and all amazing!

I loved this WE'RE AMAZING 1, 2, 3! I'm a huge fan of Golden Books and Sesame Street - they remind me of my childhood! This book has a fantastic message and I think kids will definitely benefit from understand Julia. Highly recommended!

Check out this read-along video:


If you'd like to learn more and see amazing in all children, check out the Sesame Street Autism Resources Page.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!