2024 NATIONAL MEDAL
for Museum and Library Service Finalist

Picture Book

Armond Goes to a Party: A Book About Asperger’s and Friendship

Armond doesn't want to go to Felicia's birthday party. Parties are noisy, disorganized, and smelly -- all things that are hard for a kid with Asperger's. Worst of all is socializing with other kids. But with the support of Felicia and her mom, good friends who know how to help him, he not only gets through the party, but also has fun. When his mom picks him up, Armond admits the party was not easy, but he feels good that he faced the challenge -- and that he's a good friend.

Since We’re Friends

Matt’s autism doesn’t keep him from having fun! Even when he struggles in social situations, his friend is there to help him out. The two boys love playing sports watching movies, reading books, and talking about animals. By working together, a best friend’s understanding and compassion change Matt’s frustration into excitement.  No matter where they go—from the basketball court to the playground swings to the neighborhood pool—the two friends enjoy spending time with each other.

Tobin Learns to Make Friends

This colorful picture book is geared toward teaching social skills to children with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders. Follow Tobin, a train, as he learns how to make friends with other trains and engage in proper social activities. Tobin teaches social skills to children without their being aware of the educational impact. He is taught by the conductor not to blow his whistle repeatedly, not to get into other trains' space, not to crowd others or get too close to their faces, and not to borrow things without asking first, among other things.

The Panicosaurus: Managing Anxiety in Children, Including Those with Asperger Syndrome

Sometimes the Panicosaurus tricks Mabel's brain into panicking about certain challenges, such as walking past a big dog on the street or when her favourite teacher is not at school. With the help of Smartosaurus, who lets her know there is really nothing to be afraid of, Mabel discovers different ways to manage Panicosaurus, and defeat the challenges he creates for her.

The Invitation

One beautiful fall day, Fern opens her mailbox and finds an envelope. After much worrying about what it could possibly contain, her friend Fawn encourages her to open it. Inside, she finds an invitation to a super-special surprise at the museum -- but Ferndoesn't like surprises!