BookTrust Bookmark Book of the Month
Age 5-7 | Paperback | 36 pages | 250 x 250mm
Publication July 2023 | ISBN 9781802586992
Accompanied by Myles, her assistance dog, Lily sets off from Granny’s house to explore. First she walks through the garden, then she visits the seashore. But when she comes to the big cave at the end of the beach her acute hearing means she is scared of the loud noise when she drops her torch. And what’s that creature she can hear coming towards her?
Books by Jon Roberts and Hannah Rounding:
Jon Roberts is the author of three previous titles from Graffeg, Through the Eyes of Me, See What I Can Do! and Through the Eyes of Us, two picture books illustrated by Hannah Rounding which are based on the life experiences of his autistic daughter, Kya, and introducing children to the condition and the nuances of Kya’s character.
Hannah Rounding is a freelance artist and illustrator based in Cardigan, West Wales. Hannah uses art as a tool to improve personal and community wellbeing, with experience working in the UK charity sector and over 10 years working within International Development, while her freelance work combines a wide variety of community arts projects alongside commissioned illustration work. Her work with Graffeg includes illustrations for the picture books Through the Eyes of Me and Through the Eyes of Us, the previous two titles by Jon Roberts, and What Can You See? by Jason Korsner.
Reviews:
‘This lovely little book will help many children have some understanding of autism, which is a very complicated condition affecting a lot of children and adults in many different ways.’ Peter Purves, television presenter and actor
‘To see the joy, calmness, and support a well-trained dog can bring to children and people with autism constantly warms my heart.’ Stephen Brooker, conductor, musical supervisor, and ambassador for Dogs for Autism
‘An excellent choice for parents, teachers and caregivers seeking an enjoyable and educational tool to teach children about autism and assistance dogs.’ Hazel Lim, multilingual autism specialist
'Another beautiful story by Jon Roberts. The Torch is a sensory journey raising autism understanding, whilst highlighting how special assistance dogs are. Just wonderful.' Nikki Saunders, award-winning author
'That said, this is a book about having adventures, as much as having autism. But along the way, it definitely offers plenty to discuss and to learn from, including a useful reminder of why we should not distract an assistance dog from its job, plus some useful end notes about autism.' BookTrust
'The Torch beautifully illustrates the relationship between Lilly, who is autistic, and Myles, her assistance dog. The beauty of Lilly’s connection with her sensory experiences came to life within the words and images presented. Lilly’s fears were explained well but did not shy away from her capacity to overcome these, with a little bit of help from Myles. Another fantastic story from the wonderful Jon Roberts and Hannah Rounding.' Spectropolis Charity
'Lily’s way of seeing the world is thoughtfully told in the story and beautifully captured in the illustrations.' Julie Eccleshare M.B.E, Love Reading 4 Kids
'A hugely powerful piece of work which has the capacity to do an enormous amount of good for a large number of people.' Amanda, Reading Zone
'A gentle story that may resonate with autistic people, while also creating empathy and awareness on supporting neurodivergent children for their peers.' Ruth Concanon, Irish Examiner
'The Torch truly shines a light on the beautiful relationship between an autistic child and their assistance dog. As an ambassador for Dogs for Autism, I am elated to see autism assistance dogs recognised in a children's book. As an Autistic woman and mother to autistic children, The Torch brought back many happy memories of our own assistance dog Hunter and the many childhood weekend walks had with my grandparents and their dog Daisy. A heart-warming read.' Dr Carly Jones MBE FRSA h(DS)c
'A heartwarming and helpful story for all the family to enjoy.' Primary Times
'A brilliant book helping children understand autism and what assistance dogs do to help. Gorgeous illustrations bring the adventure to life and the story is imbued with empathy and heart.' Zoe James-Williams, Drawing on Books
'A superb addition to any bookshelf at home or in the classroom. All in all, it is sensitive, entertaining, inquistive, quietly thrilling and simply beautiful.' Mary Esther Judy, Fallen Star Stories
'I love it when a book exceeds your expectations. This is a truly special book that puts neurodiversity front and centre of the story, to create a beautifully written and informative tale.' Books for Little Bookworms
'This is a lovely, gentle book, illustrated with gorgeous beachy scenes by Hannah Rounding. It is one of those books which is a great mirror - for those reading with experience of autism - and window - for those without to learn more about it.' Teeny Readers
'This is a delightful little book with so much emotion and description packed in.' A Bookworm at Heart
'My five year old son Rory is autistic and he thoroughly enjoyed reading this children's book, so much so it has become his bedtime story of choice night after night.' Tiffeny Brown
'A perfect bedtime story for this summer.' The Autism Page
'This is a beautiful book about seeing the world a little bit differently.' Book Dragon Gems
'A stunning story with lovely illustrations that made me fall in love with Lilly and Myles.' Malloch Books
'This is such a lovely, heart warming story about friendship, encouragement and celebrating unique qualities. It would be the perfect addition to any primary school classroom bookshelf!' Leanne's Bookshelf
'What a beautiful way of introducing autism to children!' The Daily Symo Adventures
'This is yet another wonderful book from Jon that helps children to understand autism and the way that it affects different people.' Books We've Read and Loved