My Friend Julia

First off, thank you Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group for granting me access to this book for an honest review.
As a teacher of students with autism, autism education is super important and helps the overall mindset and climate of a school campus. This book correctly teaches children what autism might look like in themselves or their classmates and proper ways to interact with people with autism. In easy to understand language, I would definitely use this book for a class project or just in general when educating children about autism.
Acceptance, love, equal communication, and advocacy. That is what education should be centered on.

This is the first Sesame Street book I have seen about being autistic. It goes through how the character is different and the same as other characters and how she thinks differently. I think this would be good for all youngsters. I enjoyed this book!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC of this title. This book is geared forward very young children (preschool through first grade, in my opinion). It gives a basic overview of autism and how it affects Julia. It also talks about being a good friend. Very cute book in the Sesame Street collection!

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is very near and dear to my heart. As a parent who has a child with autism, I felt that this book did a really good job in explaining how people with autism are just like everyone else, but just have different needs. If you have a child who is autistic, this is a great book to show that there are other children out there just like them or if you are a parent who has a child and you want to introduce what autism is to them this is a great book for that as well.

This book discusses Autism in a way that is accessible to young children. This can open up conversations to help children understand friends who may be different from them. Autistic children can see themselves in Julia, and allistic children can see themselves in the other characters like Elmo and Abby. Any child can see an example of their needs and other's needs, how they may be the same and how they may be different. Obviously this is a very simple book intended for children and actual people and situations can be more complex than this. Not every Autistic child is exactly like Julia, but I appreciate this representation being present for my children. I did not have books like this in my childhood.

My son is muppet-obsessed, truly. We were able to meet Julia during our time at SeaWorld this past spring break, and he absolutely loved her.

That being said, this book led to good conversations with my young kids. Conversations about inclusion, patience, and celebrating differences.

This was a cute story and the vivid photos were beautiful!

The author Jennifer Cook does a amazing job talking and explaining Autistic and living with it. Told through a new Sesame Street character named Julia we learn how Julia handles things that may bother her. I think this book would make a great read out loud story to explain to children what Autistic is and how it can have a unique way of understanding the world and other people. Autism can make it hard to figure out friends and feelings. It can also make someone caring and clever. I highly recommend this book as a read out loud or for story time . Thank You netgalley

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of "My Friend Julia". All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I don't think there is enough space to tell you how much I enjoyed and loved this book. Immediately I fell in love when instead of saying that Julia has autism, her other amazing traits were listed first. Autism does not define a child and I love that this book started with that. The way autism is explained in this book is absolutely amazing. As a teacher, I cannot tell you how wonderful this story is. All of the pictures were easy for children to understand what was happening in a way that makes sense to them. The discussion of when she is over-stimulated and how she may do things differently but it does not make her a bad friend. The tips are at the end. I mean, I could rant for days. Bravo! Love, love, love, love!!

I find it challenging to talk to my four year old about learning differences with kids in his class. I'm not sure how much detail to go into or how to describe what it might feel like to be them. I absolutely loved that My Friend Julia was asset based -- it talked about all of the great things about Julia and what she likes. It also thoughtfully and clearly talked about how she might handle situations where she's overwhelmed and talked about what autism is. I definitely recommend this for anyone who works with or has children.

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.

Meet Julia! She's an artistically inclined child who adores her family. Dive into this heartwarming journey alongside Elmo, Abby, and the beloved Sesame Street gang as they unveil the unique aspects that make Julia truly special. Penned by best-selling author Jennifer Cook, who identifies as being on the spectrum, her rich experience enlightens the narrative. Cook has not only advised the @whitehouse but also appeared on @netflix ‘s ‘Love on the Spectrum' and serves on the Council of Autistic Advisors for the @autismsociety Autistic Society of America. Cannot think of a more qualified author to take on this subject.

Our main protagonist, Julia, is on the spectrum. The book is a visual delight and deftly encapsulates the frequently observed traits of a child on the spectrum, fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere around Julia. Its captivating and accessible approach makes it a must-read for our youngest of readers, and aims to entertain and inform. I'm truly honored to review this enlightening piece of work.