Nicely done in the gentle Sesame Street style. Designed to simply introduce children to autism by making it seem simply another difference between them, using Sesame Street characters. Even Big Bird makes an appearance. Adults may say but there's so much more to autism than this, but, remember, the target audience is children. Thus, it remains simple and direct.

For example, it notes that while Julia may jump around or clap or flap her hands when nervous, it points out that we all react in different ways to being unsure or nervous. What do you do when you're nervous? Most of us don't jump or clap and jump around but we do have our own little quirks. I realized that my go to strategy is often to simple flex my hands or move, whether pacing (ah, ha, a common one) or talking to myself in my head (probably also a common reaction). I'm not autistic but, well, yeah, you'll note all are basic body responses to release anxiety. How do you calm yourself?

As author Jennifer Cook, who has been diagnosed with being on the autistic spectrum herself notes, we all are alike yet different. That's the key message. Acceptance for who they are while acknowledging that we're not all alike. I'll note that Cook, besides being on the autistic spectrum herself, has children who have also been diagnosed. Yet, she writes books and has even advised the White House and National Institute of Health on autism issues.

It's wonderful to have someone not only writing about it but, well, living it, too. The writing her is simple and direct, using familiar Sesame Street figures to illustrate each point. At the end there's a glossary and list where adults can read more, not to mention a list of ways to be a friend, with patience being the one that stood out for me.

Bottom line, a nice, low key introduction to how autism might affect others and how to react and help. Loved the idea of the starfish hug. Thanks #NetGalley and #LernerPublishingGroup for introducing me to Julia and letting me hang out on Sesame Street for awhile.

Everyone loves Sesame Street and they are introducing us to a new character, Julia. Julia is smart and funny but she is also autistic. She thinks and plays in her way which might be different from others. She likes art like Elmo. Like Ernie she loves to build things.. She always wants Fluffster the bunny with her. When things make her nervous Fluffster to the rescue because he makes her feel better. She might clap, jump or flap her hands when she gets excited. Loud noises bother her so headphones can help with that. She has learned how to calm herself by blowing bubbles. Big Bird says our differences are what make us amazing.
At the end of the story there is a list of ways that you can be a friend. This explains autism in a way that will help small children understand.

Thank you to Net Galley for a free e-copy of MyFriend Julia by Jennifer Cook in exchange for a honest review. This is a perfect book to teach the preschool and kindergarten set about autism.Julia , a new character on Sesame Street, has autism and acts differently from her friends.There are many examples of her behaviors and how friends can adapt so they can all play together.Perfect book to teach young children that although we are all different we are all members of the human race and deserve respect.