In art class, a boy finds the courage to leave his comfort zone, try something new, and do something nice for a friend. Sometimes, Jeffrey fixates on certain likes and dislikes. For example, he is very attached to the colour blue. He wears blue socks, blue underwear, a blue hat, and-of course!-blue jeans. At painting class, he paints only in blue. But when his classmate, Keiko, wants to use the blue paint, Jeffrey will have to try a different color. With some gentle coaxing, the narrator helps him navigate his emotions, encouraging him to consider Keiko's feelings. This story explores how something that seems simple for some people can be very complicated for others. Jeffrey's caregiver provides choice, time, and space to help Jeffrey process his emotions. The focus of the story is not about getting rid of Jeffrey's fixation-it's about widening his perspective to help a friend, which encourages empathy and compromise. Delightfully simple and captivating illustrations contextualize Jeffrey's experience, inviting readers into his thought processes as he works through his difficult decision. AGES: 4 to 7 AUTHOR: Loretta Garbutt developed her passion for children's books while working as a storyteller, bookseller, and reviewer. Her picture books include A Stopwatch from Grampa and And J.J. Slept. Loretta writes from her home in Toronto, Ontario, and believes that finding the perfect words is just as challenging as choosing the perfect colors. Lily Snowden-Fine is a painter and illustrator from Vancouver, British Columbia. She illustrated the picture book The Deepest Dig and has also illustrated for The Globe and Mail and The New York Times. Lily studied illustration at OCAD University and is currently attending The Drawing Year Scholarship Program at The Royal Drawing School in London, England. SELLING POINTS: . Based on the author's nephew, who has autism spectrum disorder . Points out elements of ASD without stereotypes and helps teach kids about inclusion . Reviewed by experts on ASD
