Lauren is such a delightful character. She is autistic, autism spectrum disorder, and is very, very literal. If someone says it is time to play ball, and they mean to get working, she will wonder why they aren’t playing ball.

The stories, this is the second in the series, are told from her point of view, so we can see how absurd some of the situations she gets into are.

This is a great way to show how autism is not something to be afraid of, or something to avoid. Her family just knows what works and doesn’t for her, and acts accordingly, and so does Lauren.

The first book in the series introduced us to Lauren, and what she faces trying to make friends. This second book shows how she survives a wedding, where she would much rather be looking at bugs.

Fun, fast read.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Penguin Days
by Sara Leach
Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC

Pajama Press

Children's Fiction

Pub Date 18 Jan 2019


I am reviewing a copy of Penguin Days through Pajama Press and Netgalley:


Penguin Days would be a great book to help your child/Student understand a little more about Autism Spectrum disorder as seen through a little girl Lauren who has the condition and finds herself struggling with the change of traveling far to take part in her Aunt’s wedding.


Lauren struggles with the change her routine and with dealing with her rambunctious cousins. She doesn’t like trying on scratchy dresses or walking up and down aisles, she’d rather be with her best friend looking for bugs.


I give Penguin Days five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A slice of life of a little girl standing up in a family wedding and how her autism spectrum disorder colors her perceptions. I liked the way her parents showed they understood what she needed, and how she relied on the coaching from her teacher.

A sweet book about 8-year old Lauren who is has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Lauren and her family are driving to North Dakota to attend Auntie Joss’ wedding — they are driving because none of the passengers had a good flight the last time they all flew anywhere. Lauren is to be a flower girl. The trip is challenging in many ways but Lauren gets through it with the help of her extended family and by keeping in mind techniques she has been taught by her special teachers.

A kind of Rosie’s Project or Curious Incident for elementary readers — its a great introduction to what it’s like to have autism and how friends and family can help and support.

Great illustrations too!

A early reader chapter book about a little girl, Lauren, with Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are descriptions of the types of feelings and reactions that Lauren has which I felt were easy to associate with. Things like 'fireworks' in her brain and her insides being 'squirmy'. I think the younger children this book is geared at (kids just learning to read) will be able to appreciate what Lauren feels like in these moments. The lovely illustrations also help demonstrate the idea of a brain that is overwhelmed, or a moment when Lauren is unhappy.

There is a lovely transition from the beginning of the book where Lauren is with some cousins, aunts and uncles who do not know her or understand her; to the end of the book where they are helping her. The ease at which Sara Leach has written Lauren also helps to sympathize with her. Whether or not we as kids, or the children reading the book, would have been scared is irrelevant because we understand how Lauren feels and as the storyteller that is all we really care about.

This is a great introduction for a 5+ year old to start understanding that everyone reacts and feels differently in situations. The one thing we all have in common however is that we like to be special, be loved, have friends and feel included.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.