Ways to Play

Riley has plenty of ways to play; like lining up dolls and stuffies by size and shape. Tearing up newspapers and making piles into mountains, using sharp crayons to draw big swirly patterns. But bossy cousin Emma thinks those ways are wrong, wrong, and wrong. And she makes no bones about letting Riley know exactly what her opinion is. Fortunately, Charlie the dog is on hand to help with a breakthrough demonstration that there are MANY ways to play; and all of them are right.

Based on experiences that Lyn Miller Lachman had growing up as an Autistic child and illustrated with the humor, tenderness and understanding that perhaps only an artist like Gabriel Alborozo, himself an Autistic creator, could bring, here is an empowering validation of the value of individual expression. And a whole lot of fun.

P R A I S E

? “Inspired by her own childhood, Miller-Lachmann, who is autistic, is keenly aware that there are many ways of having a good time, and the straightforward, spare first-person narration centers Riley’s experience. Although it’s never explicitly mentioned that Riley has a diagnosis, it seems likely the child is, like the author, autistic, and many neurodivergent children will feel seen and affirmed.”
—Kirkus (starred)

? “The poignant text teams together with ebullient drawings, delivering a welcome and heartwarming message for all young readers. Many libraries will find this picture book appealing, especially if their collection of stories needs a new and welcome addition with respect to children of all abilities.”
—School Library Journal (starred)

“Cousins find common ground through play in a simple story with an instructional thrust from an autistic creative team.”
—Publishers Weekly