Pages from Simon’s diary

BOOK REVIEW

PAGES FROM SIMON’S DIARY

Author: Vicente García Oliva | Inés Sánchez Nadal From the reader report by: Mioko Nagami

This warm, humorous book depicts the relation between the protagonist and Hector, a boy with autism. Simon has never even heard the word ‘autism,’ so he does not get hung up on the word. Instead, he observes Hector very carefully and tries to make conjectures about Hector’s feelings and intentions without getting angry or running away whenever trouble occurs. In this way, Simon gives us clues about how to approach people with autism.

The book’s handwriting-like font really makes it feel as if we are reading Simon’s diary. The bright illustrations also use lots of primary colors, with Hector’s feelings expressed using a variety of geometrical patterns. The umbrella illustrations are a very effective way of symbolizing the nature of communication between Hector and other people.

There are estimated to be around 360,000 people with autism in Japan. A number of publications aimed at people with autism or their carers have been released recently. Books aimed at the general population and young people in particular are still quite rare though, with the few examples including “Manuel’s Day,” a Chilean picture book by María José Ferrada, and “Suzuchan no Nomiso” by Minako Takeyama (Iwasaki Shoten). The understanding of the general public is vital for people with autism to thrive in schools and society. This book makes a contribution to the realization of an inclusive society where those with and without disabilities can live side by side.

In 2021, this work was chosen as a Fundación Cuatrogatos Award recommended read, while in 2019 CLIJ magazine selected it as one of the top ten best books published in Spain for children and young adults.

PUBLISHED IN NEW SPANISH BOOKS JP

PINTAR PINTAR COMUNICACION

Title PAGES FROM SIMON’S DIARY PÁGINAS DEL DIARIO DE SIMÓN

Author Vicente García Oliva | Inés Sánchez Nadal Year of publication 2021 Genre Children and Youth Number of editions 2 Pages 32 Language Spanish

ISBN 978-84-94867-86-6 Spanish retail price 5.00 €

Author’s biography: Vicente García Oliva is an Asturian writer, member of the Academy of the Asturian Language and director of that academy’s YA Literature collection. He is also a member of the General Society of Authors and Publishers. His great creative ability has allowed for the publication of numerous works for a range of readers and to diversify into different kinds of writing: Literature, Essay and even Screenplay. www.pintarpintareditorial.blog/2018/11/05/novedad-paginas-del-diario-de-simon

Synopsis: Simón finally has a diary — a real one, with hard covers and a lock to keep his secrets as safe as if they were made of gold. Now Simón can hide his experiences from his nosey brother Julián. Julián won’t be able to read the story of Simón’s friendship with Héctor, a boy with autism who has recently joined the class. Nor about how Simón treats him: naturally and without prejudice. Nor that Héctor can’t always make himself understood, especially with the other children. The snooping Julián will also never know that Simón sometimes has to defend his desk mate. These pages present a light and loving approach to autism.

Publisher: Pintar Pintar Comunicación Pintar-Pintar Editorial has two remits: publishing picture books and organising educational activities to help the very young learn about and enjoy art. Pintar-Pintar was awarded the Premio Nacional de Edición (for publishers) in 2007, 2012 and 2014.

Publishing rights available from: Pintar Pintar Comunicación S.L - CIF B74141581 Piñole 1, Oviedo, Asturias www.pintar-pintar.com www.pintarpintareditorial.blog Contact: Isidro Pérez [distribucion@pintar-pintar.com] [editorial@pintar-pintar.com Phone: (+34) 682 631 410

Countries where the rights have been sold: The original edition is in Asturian. The Catalan edition will be published by Edicions Saloria.

Prizes and reviews: ‘Recommended’ in the Premios Fundación Cuatro Gatos 2021 - selected by CLIJ magazine as one of the best titles published in Spain for children and young people.