The Bear series by Leanne Coelho thoughtfully celebrates autism
The highly anticipated third book by Bear Autism, Bear, Bobbin and the Winter Festival illustrated by Leanne Coelho is now available, just in time to warm hearts this winter! This latest instalment continues the adventures of Bear, who is neurodiverse, and Bobbin, who is visually impaired. Together, they explore the magical joy of their special friendship during the Winter Festival period, showcasing the power of connection, acceptance and understanding.
Created by author Val Jones, a passionate advocate for Autism awareness, the series is a beautifully crafted collection of heart-warming picture books designed specifically for Autism curriculums. Each book helps provide children on the Autism spectrum with engaging, accessible stories tailored to their unique needs. The series is part of a larger mission to celebrate the strengths and individuality of children with Autism.
Leanne worked closely with Val Jones to ensure every visual element aligns with the needs of children on the spectrum. This thoughtful approach is reflected in her key design choices. With a muted colour palette, the illustrations use soft, she uses understated tones to create a calm and inviting visual experience, avoiding overstimulation. Each page is designed to be full yet not overly busy, making it easier for children to focus on the story. Leanne made sure the illustrations strike a careful balance with an appropriate level of detail, avoiding overwhelming complexity while still providing enough detail to engage young readers.
Val Jones has shared further insights into the series on the Love Needs No Words podcast. She gives a little taster about what the book is all about, the message she hopes is received when reading it, feedback from parents and others that have read it. Coincidentally, the logo for the podcast was also designed by Leanne, tying these two creative projects together beautifully.
All the books can be ordered here - including Bear: A Story of Autism and Difference and Bear and the Lost Tooth
Leanne has a deep commitment to creating stories that resonate with children and their families, emphasising understanding, inclusion, and joy within her work. Please contact [email protected] for more info.
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