Book Review Section

AVRIL WEBSTER – OFF WE GO - A Parent's Review

The first series of books I was asked to review were 6 short storybooks written by author Avril Webster, to help children prepare and cope better with a new activity or event like going to the doctor, going to the restaurant. Etc. The Off We Go! storybooks explain 'what comes next' on an everyday outing and therefore reassure the child and encourage cooperation in each situation. By reading the book together at home and preparing a child for a new task or event, they can manage the stages more easily, ultimately reducing stress for themselves and those around them.

Each book contains colourful illustrations and is 12 pages long, a length recommended by speech & language therapists. Each picture is clear and a clock has been used in all the stories to represent a period of waiting or that it is time for an activity to finish. The simple text uses basic vocabulary which can easily be made more complex if needed, but together with the pictures will help to give structure and routine to children of different ages and abilities. The Off We Go! series provides an invaluable resource for professionals, parents and carers of children aged 3-7 of all abilities, and particularly children with intellectual disabilities or autism.

The book titles are as follows:
Going to the doctor
Going to the dentist
Going to the supermarket
Going to the restaurant
Going swimming
Going to the hairdresser.

Each book uses the same characters and the same members of family to show each event. While the picture telling books are aimed for children on the autistic spectrum and/or with learning difficulties any child would enjoy reading them and looking at an event as it unfolds over 12 pages. Initially i wasn't sure if my 3 and half year old son would understand what i was trying to achieve with these books, but i was wrong. From the moment we sat down to read them, he smiled with delight knowing that these books were for him and to help him deal with events that normally cause him to be very anxious.
After reading the books to him a couple of times, he had great pleasure in telling me, in his own words what was coming next. He now shows the books to everyone that calls to the house and everyone has to take a turn in reading one book to him. I have brought the books with me to the supermarket and to restaurants and they have really worked when needed. Only last weekend we decided to take our son to the swimming pool for the first time in over two years, an event which would normally cause him huge anxiety but as he sat in the changing room, with swimming hat and lighting mcqueen arm bands at the ready, he read the book to himself one more time and proceeded to tell me, lets go swimming mommy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We were gobsmacked to say the least.

We had read the book and discussed the idea of going to a swimming pool at least a week in advance and planted the seed so to speak, but it worked and the book was the final tool that helped with his confidence and his reassurance to enable him to get into the pool. It's hard to believe but he had to be coaxed out of the pool after an hour, he did not want to leave and cannot wait to go again. While the supermarket, swimming and restaurant books have all worked so well for us and much faster than we had hoped, the reality of going to the doctor and dentist is something that im going to have to do a lot of preparation, we're not that brave yet!!

The author, Avril Webster created these books to help her disabled son Stephen cope with everyday activities. In just over a year those homemade versions have been published as her first series of books with another six to follow in early 2009 and they are titled as follows:

Going to the Cinema
Going to a Birthday Party
Going to the Optician
Going to Buy Shoes
Going to Buy Clothes
Going on a Plane

Conclusion:

Im eagerly awaiting the next series of books, as is my son.My husband and I never thought these books could help our 3 and half year old son whose anxieties are a huge part of his autism, but they have. It's so encouraging to listen to him reading the book to himself, in his own way and telling the doctor in the book, “bye bye doctor, see you the next time”. (In reality he would have said bye bye to the doctor on entering the room before trying to do a U turn out of the room.)These books, in my opinion are a must have for any parent who would like their children to feel secure and have a level of understanding as to what will happen next. They are great books and all kids will enjoy them.

About: Avril Webster – author of the Off We Go! series of books

My name is Avril Webster. I am married to Robert and we live in Limerick, Ireland. We have 3 children; Stephen (age 10), Michael (age 7) and Rachel (age 5). Stephen has a severe developmental brain disorder (we have no other specific diagnosis).

Like many children, Stephen finds it hard to cope with change in routine. We want to include Stephen in as many family everyday activities like going shopping or going swimming. Sometimes, it is hard to go out and do normal family things as Stephen gets scared and upset.

Stephen’s teacher and speech and language therapist suggested that we should use books to support Stephen to cope with new experiences. (We knew Stephen likes pictures and his scheduling board).

I went looking for simple clear books that would show Stephen what would happen and I could not find anything to suit his needs. So I started making my own books at the kitchen table.

I found that by preparing Stephen in advance and bringing the book with us, he was less scared and able to manage better. It became apparent that these books may help lots of children.

I have found the books a kind of ‘access tool’ for our son. Just like you have a ramp for a person with a physical disability, my books have helped Stephen ‘access’ experiences and events that previously he had found very difficult. Although I must add that the books are not magic and often things don’t quite go to plan! But the important thing is to try, and to support our children by giving them courage and confidence so that they can be part of their community.

I am also involved in our parent support group at St Vincents (where Stephen goes to school) Lisnagry, Limerick. Our group lobbies and fundraises for services for children and adults with disabilities. I like to walk, the area around our village in Annacotty, Limerick is lovely. I also love to cook, and when we get the chance, to go out for dinner and drinks with my husband and friends.

Cost Per Set Of Books:

• Going to the doctor
  Going to the dentist
  Going to the supermarket
  Going to the restaurant
  Going swimming
  Going to the hairdresser

To Purchase these books please visit the author's website by clicking on the link: Off We Go