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Bernie Thinks in Boxes (Jess Horn, illus Zoe Bennett, Affirm)

This charming story by debut author Jess Horn features a child, Bernie, who likes to classify her world into different categories (portrayed as boxes) in her head. When Bernie is invited to a party at the park by one of her school friends, it poses a challenge, because the park and her friends there belong in a separate box from her school box. Although Bernie makes an attempt, the party proves overwhelming. However, with the help of her mum, she finds a way to adapt her boxes and celebrate her friend’s birthday. Many of the detailed illustrations by Zoe Bennett, who previously illustrated Ruby’s Repair Café, look like mind maps and visually represent the way Bernie compartmentalises her life. Horn is a late-diagnosed autistic author, and the text implies Bernie is also autistic, although it is not directly addressed in the text. Bernie Thinks in Boxes is an empathetic story that shows an everyday challenge for a neurodivergent character in a neurotypical world, and how they adapt to a situation rather than having to change their own nature. It’s good to see more publications that champion neurodivergent thinking and help children understand reasons others may behave differently in the same situation. With similarities to The Underwater Fancy Dress Parade, Bernie Thinks in Boxes is suitable for ages 4–7.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Angela Crocombe is a senior buyer and bookseller at Readings Kids. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

 

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews