DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

What's Happening to Ellie?

A book about puberty for girls and young women with autism and related conditions

Kate E Reynolds author Jonathon Powell illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Published:21st Jan '15

Should be back in stock very soon

What's Happening to Ellie? cover

This picture book gently guides young girls through the changes of puberty, focusing on Ellie’s journey. What's Happening to Ellie? is a valuable resource.

In What's Happening to Ellie?, readers are introduced to Ellie, a young girl navigating the complexities of puberty. This picture book is thoughtfully crafted for girls with autism and other special needs, providing a gentle and accessible way for parents and caregivers to discuss the physical and emotional changes that accompany this significant life stage. As Ellie begins to notice changes in her body, including new hair growth and the onset of menstruation, her mother plays a crucial role in helping her understand these developments.

The narrative follows Ellie as she experiences these transformations, making it relatable for young readers who may be facing similar situations. The book addresses not only the physical changes but also the emotional shifts that come with growing up. It serves as a valuable resource for families, offering a foundation for conversations about puberty in a supportive and understanding manner.

With its engaging illustrations and positive tone, What's Happening to Ellie? encourages open dialogue about what girls can expect during this time. It aims to empower young women with autism and related conditions by providing them with the knowledge they need to navigate their journey into womanhood confidently. This book is an essential tool for fostering understanding and acceptance of the changes that come with puberty.

These attractively illustrated books, with their clear, anatomically correct pictures and simple, unambiguous text, deal bravely with the aspects of sexuality that are challenging to teach and will facilitate discussion and learning. They will be a very welcome addition to the bookshelves of families who have an adolescent on the autism spectrum. -- Sarah Attwood, author of Making Sense of Sex
This series is perfect for use in sex education classes. An excellent and very helpful choice for professionals working with people with ASD! -- Ioannis Voskopoulos-Labrini Ioannou, psychologist
In very simple, unambiguous text and quite graphic pictures, we see Ellie beginning to grow up and the signs that she notices as she does so - hair in unusual places, spots, enlarging breasts, larger hips, and periods...while meant for girls on the autistic spectrum, this could be of real use to any young girl facing the challenges of growing up. -- HealthyBooks

ISBN: 9781849055260

Dimensions: 187mm x 165mm x 9mm

Weight: 175g

36 pages