“The book has the potential to become as important & influential to children with autism as ‘I had a black dog’ by Matthew Johnstone did for men with depression. From the illustrations, through the warm and meaningful words, to the characters themselves (especially Bess) this book is a triumph and celebration of everything individual and unique. Beautiful “
David Jackson
Senior Lecturer Adult Nursing, Teesside University
“She wrote in her feeling book tonight that she was happy as she got her book and she loved it.“
Sarah and Violet
Violet has since written her own Bess book ❤📖🐾 I am so proud of her.
Well done Violet love Lin & Bess x
“What an absolute delight! The message is clear and easy to relate to, and the illustrations are simply beautiful, works of art in their own right! I think that any young person (or older person, for that matter) reading this will instantly relate if they are on the spectrum. I look forward to the series!
Kate Bamforth
Learning Disability Specialist Nurse
“Your book arrived today and it is absolutely wonderful. I have a couple of youngsters in mind to give them to. Well done.”
Margot Miller
Retired NHS Matron
“The utter joy of this landing on our doorstep this afternoon!!! Beautifully written and illustrated, I’m beaming with pride at such a wonderful story that’s full of heart and love…. just like its author. Bess has just got 2 new fans (and friends) following her.”
Helen and Pep
Artist
“I have one of the books I bought to my neighbour a few days ago. One of her grandchildren is autistic so I knew she’d be interested in reading it. She’s just there knocked on my door and said what a LOVELY book”, and handed in a box of cakes! You made a beautiful book.“
Morag Balfour
“My wee Bess book has arrived safely – thank you – complete with ‘Handle with love’ packing label. If only people could be wrapped up and treated with the same care instructions! 🥰. Thank you for the ways in which you’re lighting the way “
Iona Millar
“Our book arrived and its incredible, Damon loved the book too, he smiled whilst reading it” “
Rhiannon Howard – Nicholson
“ As an adopter and foster carer to two lovely girls, neither of them with a formal diagnosis (yet), but both of them experiencing life ‘differently’, I found this book perfect for them to connect with, as it touches very gently on the many ways that neurodivergent people may experience the world. There is a lovely, nurturing acceptance with Bess, which is so helpful for children like mine who don’t quite fit into one neat and tidy box. The book leaves the reader with the warm feeling that it doesn’t matter why you might find things in life tricky, or what those things might be, but that with understanding and kindness, life can be good.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and the facial expressions for Bess are just so expressive that it’s impossible not to fall in love with her!
This book is for anyone at all, autistic, trauma-experienced, and neurotypical alike – it will help those children who find the world a little tricky to understand themselves better, and those who don’t, to perhaps understand and help a friend they haven’t yet made.”
Lisa
Adopter and Foster Carer
“ I can’t thankyou enough for it. I’m going to take it into school tomorrow for the class to read and suggest they get some in for the classes to read because I think it will be a big game changer for understanding all round”
Jemma Skipp and Esmea
“ Given your book to my daughters friend who has 2 severely autistic boys, she loves it said she had a little cry and the illustrations are amazing”
Gail Severn
“Thank you for the quick shipment. Very good book and useful!”
Michael Ambrose (Missouri, USA)
“A beautifully illustrated book that opens a window on neurodivergence. Gentle, engaging, and full of heart, it helps those of us who have a brain wired differently feel seen, loved, understood, and valued.”
Carolyn Godfrey
Former Vice-President of the Methodist Church and Regional Officer for Safeguarding.
” Our Bess book arrived, and Delilah absolutely loves it. It is her new favourite bedtime book, and she keeps asking to read her doggy book. Cadie said, “It’s a beautiful story with a unique meaning behind it! We can’t wait for more” book that opens a window on neurodivergence. Gentle, engaging, and full of heart, it helps those of us who have a brain wired differently feel seen, loved, understood, and valued.”
Delilah
“Just wanted to say your book is amazing, I have had it in school and read it to some of the wee ones who loved it.
Shirley Simpson
Secondary School Teacher
“When I read this enchanting story, I was reminded of the reality of challenges faced by children with autism. Such appropriate words and outstanding illustrations. All in all, a wonderful book to share.
Rhona Smith
Retired Head Teacher
“A beautiful, heartwarming story told in a gentle way about how it feels to be different in a very busy world. The illustrations are colourful but not too overwhelming. A joyous book from the heart of the writer. Even Ruby enjoyed meeting all the characters in the book, we’re looking forward to book 2 and beyond with more adventures And the kids in school LOVE it.”
Jill Clark
It is a wonderful story with a meaning told beautifully. I look forward to reading all about Bess’s antics in the future..’“
Lynne Cumming
“I love it.’“
Val Menzies
“Received your book today and cried just knowing it was part of you, your life journey. “
Julie Edmonton
“Brodie has read the story to me she said when’s the next one out she loved it “
Jeanette Kirby
“This will really help children understand why some people are different in their class. ““
Stephanie Mincher
Registered Nurse
