“George, 10, has autism. Before Ben arrived, he didn't understand people and would kick and bite if other children touched him. He never showed affection, yet would stroke Ben and bury his face in the cat's fur. He didn't make eye contact – but looked straight at Ben, and when Ben looked back he didn't flinch. George didn't smile either and only spoke in a monotone. But he began to develop a high-pitched "cat-talk" voice, in which he spoke to Ben and replied on Ben's behalf”
(Rix, J, Stay here cat we need you, The Guardian, 13 November 2010, Family suppl., p.3).
Then one day Ben disappears, George reverts to his uncommunicative state and mum, desperate, turns pet detective to track Ben down. Of course there is a happy ending! And of course mum wrote a book about all this:
Charlie says: While you read the article, I finished the crossword.
Have a tantalizing Thursday everyone!
36 comments:
I loved this book review and I love the catchy title too! I am seriously going to buy this book asap! I have an appreciation for animals for their healing powers and it never ceases to amaze me how they continue to bring out the best in everyone no matter what their age, personality, or disability may be! I never heard about this book and I am glad you shared this information, my friend!
Omigosh I must read that book! Great story. And I love the new look of your blog, I had to double check to make sure I was in the right spot, then I saw Charlie LOL.
umm....After I saw your mom's book cover. I think that's little Ben looks like me..and then I just wonder..Don't your mom interest to write another book calls " A Friend Like Puddy " : )
Amazing story.
And they do say life is stranger than fiction.
Hi Charlie!
purrin
xoxoxo
Abby
What a lovely story. It's amazing what comfort and more cats can provide for people.
Thanks for the book review - Mom has a friend with an autistic son this might be nice for. They just got a puppy for Bo. Looking good Charlie.
This is so touching and heart-warming.
Charlie's a smart cat. My cat, Gypsy, is just smart alec!
Awwwww! *sniff* I LOVE those stories! :) and charlie looks comfy ;p
www.damselinadirtydress.com
It's so sad when your favorite pet goes missing. You start to feel like your world is over. Animals are such a wonderful thing for the human race.
It sounds like an amazing story.
The things autistic children can come to learn through friends like Ben are amzing
What a lovely story!
And Charlie always looks so chilled out.
Awwwww! I love that photo of Charlie; he looks so content.
What a great story about the helping power of animals.
Happy Thursday, old Kitty!
That's quite the remarkable story!
It looks like a wonderful and heart-tugging story. I went to the Amazon site and read the author blurb too, seems she volunteers for a local charity to re-home cats. :-)
Tell Charlie he's very clever to have done the crossword--I could use help with the ones I do!
Our Mom got all choked up just reading what you wrote, we can only imagine how she'd be if she read the book!! The healing power of kitties!!
Charlie is tantalising us with his whitest of white floofy tummy. Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
That story really does sound wonderful! Charlie, you're so smart!
Charlie, you are so very funny. Mom laughed out loud. You are also terribly smart to be doing the crossword puzzle. Mom can't even do those.
That does look like a good book but we are out of green papers at the moment.
Take care and have a fun day. Keep doing those puzzles Charlie.
Hi Old (not!) Kitty!
I keep seeing your comments on all the people I have been blog hopping to these last couple of days, so I thought I'd come pay you a visit!
That book sounds a very moving story, thanks for sharing.
Nice to have met you!
Sounds like a fabulous tale! I think animals know when they are really needed.
I love this story! And it's very true about the autism "touch therapy." A former "boss" of mine had an autistic son that she took to ride horses as therapy b/c the feel of them helped him.
I'm glad the story has a happy ending, and does Charlie do his crossword w/a pen? ;o) <3
sometimes only a 'happy ending' is good enough! :)
That sounds like an amazing story!
We just read the story about George and Ben....mama has wet on her cheeks and us boys are purring.
We love you OK and Charlie.
What a wonderful story, Kitty! I wish I had a cat friend, but alas, I have my Matilda instead. Oh well, she's a nice puggle anyway. I'm certain Charlie uses a pen when doing the crossword because as intelligent as he is there's never a mistake.
Oh, I want to read the book now! I love it when pets can make breakthroughs like that. Especially with autism.
CD
Animals can have such healing effect, it's fantastic! I want to read that book! that's such a heartwarming story:)
That book is heading straight to my wishlist!
Christmas Tales Blogfest
This looks like a lovely read
About a cat and his friend in need
So glad everything turns out happy
As with cats, I am a sappy!
LOL! :)
Oh, that is so sweet. Animals never cease to amaze us with what they can do. :-)
What a beautiful story! I always love how sensitive cats can be & that boy & his cat & mom have a wonderful understanding.
OK, Charlie, how long did it take for you to do the crossword puzzle?
A friend like Ben sounds like a brilliant story. And of course Charlie is gorgeous.
The book does not have a Kindle version :(
But hey, I can wait!
Sometimes autistic children experience sensory overload. Some will stare at florescent lights because they can see the cycle they go through. Ben probably was very soothing and safe for him. I'm going to have to get this book. I saw it at B & N a couple weeks ago (I think that was the one). I didn't know what it was about, but since I do, it's a must have. Thanks for sharing it!
This sounds like an interesting book..and I love the cover photo of that cute Ben!
That's it! You should write a book about Charlie! He's already a star with a fan club! :)
Post a Comment