Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)? The story itself never uses the word autism - only that Leo has difficulties with 'living on the wrong planet' and feeling like an 'alien', that he doesn't know much about friendship, is shown to have sensory sensitivities, becomes heavily interested in information about his new octopus friends and then infodumps on the new child who joins the story later. With fun activities, colouring and tips to help children explore what autism means, alongside guidance for parents and caregivers.

Leo and the Octopus (Paperback) - Waterstones Leo and the Octopus (Paperback) - Waterstones

Loud noises and bright colors make him uncomfortable. He doesn’t understand people or enjoy being around large crowds. But he makes a friend in Maya the octopus. Maya later provided an opportunity for Leo to make a new friend as well. Endorsed by Professor Tony Atwood, author of Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Leo struggles to make sense of the world. He doesn’t understand the other children in his class, and they don’t seem to understand him. But then one day, Leo meets Maya. The octopus keeper is not judgmental, he is observant and curious, recognizing those same traits in Leo. With keeper's encouragement and acceptance, Leo launches a personal mission to learn all he can about Octopuses, sharing those facts via a notebook on several spreads. Impressed, the keeper invites Leo to interact with Maya the octopus, providing ever more challenging puzzles. All of which Maya solves, abby the way.

Leo and the Octopus — Isabelle Marinov Leo and the Octopus — Isabelle Marinov

Leo knew exactly how Maya felt. Sometimes he wished he could squirt water at all the things that annoyed him to make them disappear. Isabelle Marinov It seems that books (and films) revealing the astonishing complexity, intelligence, and emotional capacity of octopuses are having a moment. This story and others lead me to root for that trend and hope it expands and sustains. This story has so much going for it in fostering empathy and awareness of neurodivergent children, but it is much more than that. Even with the neon orange color accents, the tone and pace of the text and the images create a subdued, supportive, and engaging structure for readers of all kinds to dive right in to the story, and into the discussions it could spark. She is also a teacher and has extensive experience working with autistic children and their families and caregivers. Isabelle Marinov first started writing when her parents bought her a typewriter for her ninth birthday. She went on to work in law for fifteen years before returning to her lifelong passion for writing full time. She has now written a range of picture book and screenplays, but Boy Underground is her first middle grade novel.Leo and the Octopus is a beautiful story about finding comfort in others, even when differences divide you from others. Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments Isabelle is a graduate of Cornell Law School and lives in Luxembourg. When she is not writing, she can be found on the tennis court or in the dojo. She speaks four languages fluently. The public aquarium offers a respite and a potential friend. Colors and sounds are muted. If you've ever been to a public aquarium you'll slide right into Leo's experience: water and creatures move at a slower pace, voices are muted, and water plants offer gentle motion while staying anchored in their places.