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. A beautiful picture book written by Isabelle Marinov with amazing illustrations by Chris Nixon follows a little boy, who has Autism, called Leo who believes that he is living on the wrong planet. One day Leo meets Maya, the octopus, and the more he learns about her the more Leo starts to believe that isn’t alone in this world anymore. A masterfully told story with many layers added by the thoughtful illustrations about a boy named Leo who is neurodiverse (later revealed in a note by the author to be on the autistic spectrum).

Leo and the Octopus by Isabelle Marinov (9781787416550 Leo and the Octopus by Isabelle Marinov (9781787416550

This story shows a strong relationship between an octopus and a child with autism. The text has strong PSHE and science links. This text explores issues around neurodiversity and provides opportunities for discussion as well as exploring strategies to cope in a neurotypical world. The story also encourages children to be curious and reflect on their relationship with the natural world. Links and themes: 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 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. I am a teacher of special needs and have sisters who also have special needs, so when the opportunity to review a children’s book based on a boy with autism, I jumped at the chance! LoveReading4Kids exists because books change lives, and buying books through LoveReading4Kids means you get to change the lives of future generations, with 25% of the cover price donated to schools in need. Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives.Well the struggle is over, this book tells the story of Leo, what goes through his mind, how he is feeling, my children could understand their thoughts and feelings better and my husband and me can understand them more. My children have Aspergers syndrome and over the years we have struggled to find a book that they could relate to, and a book that my husband and myself could understand what go through their minds,

LEO AND THE OCTOPUS: Discover a heart-warming Autism Eye - LEO AND THE OCTOPUS: Discover a heart-warming

This book beautifully highlights, explores and explains how our world can feel like an alien planet to some children. Leo, a child with Asperger's syndrome, develops a connection with Maya the octopus, a creature he feels he has much in common with. 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 sensitive descriptions throughout the book of what it is like to have autism are accurate and perceptive on so many levels" (Professor Tony Attwood, author of Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals). Text Rationale: As a young child growing up with Asperger’s Syndrome, Leo can find the world to be a stressful, lonely place. We follow Leo’s journey as he begins a heart-warming friendship with an octopus named Maya. My Comments

Class Comments

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. With fun activities, colouring and tips to help children explore what autism means, alongside guidance for parents and caregivers. Buy from our bookstore and 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice to buy more books. *15% of eBooks. Home >

Leo and the Octopus Book Review - BooksForTopics Leo and the Octopus Book Review - BooksForTopics

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. Maya is an octopus, and the more Leo learns about her, the more he thinks that perhaps he isn't alone in this world, after all. About This Edition ISBN: Leo and the Octopus is a brilliant book for building empathy; it really raises awareness of what life is like living with autism. ✭✭✭✭✭” Maya is an octopus, and the more Leo learns about her, the more he thinks that perhaps he isn’t alone in this world, after all.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 sensitive descriptions throughout the book of what it is like to have autism are accurate and perceptive on so many levels’. This brilliant activity book is designed for autistic people and their friends and family to enjoy. 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. This is a three-session spelling seed for the book Leo and the Octopus by Isabelle Marinov. Below is the coverage from Appendix 1 of the National Curriculum 2014.

Leo and the Octopus | Book reviews | RGfE

Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical MomentsThis is a great book to read with children and help them understand that making friends can be challenging for some. That sometimes we just need to have some understanding and that can make a big difference in someone’s life. When an impromptu trip to a chip shop seems to briefly engage Daniel with the real world, the family decide to revisit their Chip Shop Championships, on a quest to find the best chip shop in the country.