4.41

5

Jan 09, 2011

I have said this for years: this book, beautifully illustrated, managed in few pages and simple text to make me laugh, stir up memories, make me nod in recognition and even choke up. It catches the full range of asperger "flavor"-sweet, smart, funny, unique, and, sometimes, painfully poignant.

5

May 14, 2009

Okay, I did not know what to make of this book when I saw it on the table at a recent book sale, but cat lover that I am, how could I pass it up for 50 cents?

The book is just 65 pages, but not only does the book have great photos of kittens on every page but there is something to be learned by each photo and how the various cat photos relates to Asperger's Syndrome. The book begins by showing a sleeping kitty and telling how the first signs of Aspergers are usually picked up very young.

The Okay, I did not know what to make of this book when I saw it on the table at a recent book sale, but cat lover that I am, how could I pass it up for 50 cents?

The book is just 65 pages, but not only does the book have great photos of kittens on every page but there is something to be learned by each photo and how the various cat photos relates to Asperger's Syndrome. The book begins by showing a sleeping kitty and telling how the first signs of Aspergers are usually picked up very young.

The photographs go on to show how an Asperger child looks at the world in a unique way. Another photo shows a kitty alone, and states that although "he likes to be near those he loves, he doesn't want them to hold him, preferring squishy places to a hug". Another photo demostrates a scared kitty and states , "An Asperger child often has exceptionally good hearing, and loud sounds and sudden movements may scare him".

All in all this book is pretty amazing in the way it explains Aspergers in simple terms, and using large letters to explain each kitten photo in terms of children with Aspergers. By using these adorable photos to explain how cats can be very quirky, aloof and creatures of routine, and that their behaviors, at times, can be somewhat similar to children with Aspergers.

This book would be a good teaching resource for siblings, therapists and teachers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ...more

5

Oct 12, 2010

Oh yes. Cats have many of the traits of Asperger Sydrome children, though I don't agree with some of her comparisons. For example, Hoopmann says, "He likes to be near those he loves, but doesn't want them to hold him,..." Well, some cats are like that, but others stick to you like velcro and enjoy being held. On the other hand, the part about "When people talk to him he may refuse to look at them" is dead on. My cats do that if I'm yelling at them or asking who knocked this or that Oh yes. Cats have many of the traits of Asperger Sydrome children, though I don't agree with some of her comparisons. For example, Hoopmann says, "He likes to be near those he loves, but doesn't want them to hold him,..." Well, some cats are like that, but others stick to you like velcro and enjoy being held. On the other hand, the part about "When people talk to him he may refuse to look at them" is dead on. My cats do that if I'm yelling at them or asking who knocked this or that over--suddenly every one of them has something else very interesting to look at. All in all, this is a very simple, clear explanation of what it is like to have Asperger Syndrome, with some darn cute pictures in the bargain. Recommended!! ...more

4

Nov 24, 2013

A nice book, a very cute and warm way to look at Aspergers.

My main complaint is that it doesn't take into account differences between different individuals with Aspergers. It over generalizes. For instance it states he doesn't want loved ones to hold him. That may be true for some individuals, but their are many children with AS who really really love to be held, who are actually clingier than most children.

It also states that the first signs of Aspergers are detected when the person is very A nice book, a very cute and warm way to look at Aspergers.

My main complaint is that it doesn't take into account differences between different individuals with Aspergers. It over generalizes. For instance it states he doesn't want loved ones to hold him. That may be true for some individuals, but their are many children with AS who really really love to be held, who are actually clingier than most children.

It also states that the first signs of Aspergers are detected when the person is very young. I only partly agree, because while those signs might exist at an early age, they are often not recognized! There are many people who only discover their AS as adults.

Despite such criticisms, I did enjoy this book. ...more

4

Oct 07, 2019

4.5 stars. Highly recommended to families, classrooms, parents who are considering looking for a diagnosis... and ppl who like pictures of cute cats.

4

May 24, 2013

4 stars and not 5 because I feel that the book would have benefited from foreword.

You can look at beautiful cats' pictures and at the same time learn about Asperger Syndrome! Genius!

Here is a link to YouTube video, the author has kept the text from the book but replaced photos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UNXM...

5

Apr 28, 2010

appropriate for adults with Asperger's as well as children. It does seem true that Aspies do prefer cats to dogs because cats aren't "in your face".Well done and surprisingly comprehensive. My husband was willing to read it, and had a revelation about himself. This after 38 years of marriage...

5

Sep 21, 2008

A new way to look at those with Asperger syndrome. Thanks, Kitty.

5

Jul 13, 2012

I absolutely love this book and bought it for my kids that I shall have someday. My husband has AS, and he loved this book as well. It's very sensitive, and shows things in a positive, and easily understandable, way. Wish more books about autism and AS were like this.

5

Apr 12, 2011

My daughter has Aspergers and loves this book, as does her little sister. It is very sweet and discribes her perfectly in a lovely and kind way. It is nice for her to have a book that she can show to other kids, or relatives to let them know "who" she is to maybe let them understand her a bit better, as often they do not - especially family. The pictures in this book are amazing, all kittens doing funny things. Well worth getting if someone in your life has Aspergers - as my daughter would say - My daughter has Aspergers and loves this book, as does her little sister. It is very sweet and discribes her perfectly in a lovely and kind way. It is nice for her to have a book that she can show to other kids, or relatives to let them know "who" she is to maybe let them understand her a bit better, as often they do not - especially family. The pictures in this book are amazing, all kittens doing funny things. Well worth getting if someone in your life has Aspergers - as my daughter would say - two thumbs and two big toes up from our family! ...more

3

Feb 23, 2012

This is a fabulous concept for a book, and in execution it's cute a lot of the time. Maybe even most of the time. But some of the humor comes off as trying a little bit too hard, stretching a little too much. The text could stand to be a little less clinical and a little more whimsical (to match the kitty-cat theme) and, if handled skillfully, would not lose any of its truthfulness... and would actually wind up being much more memorable.

It's not a bad book, but I was disappointed. In the age of This is a fabulous concept for a book, and in execution it's cute a lot of the time. Maybe even most of the time. But some of the humor comes off as trying a little bit too hard, stretching a little too much. The text could stand to be a little less clinical and a little more whimsical (to match the kitty-cat theme) and, if handled skillfully, would not lose any of its truthfulness... and would actually wind up being much more memorable.

It's not a bad book, but I was disappointed. In the age of LOLcats, it doesn't hold up very well for me. ...more

5

Jul 01, 2010

This was a cute book. It's definitely geared toward the 6-10 year old range, but my 14 year old and I still got a laugh out of it. The comedy of the pictures alleviates some of the strain/embarrassment of talking about how true some of the characteristics of Asperger's are for him.

4

Jun 08, 2010

Warm, comforting, very quick read introducing children and their parents to Asperger's Syndrome. Nice photos of cute cats on each page if you're a cat lover. My only quarrel with the book is that it uses male pronouns exclusively as if they were gender-neutral or sexist language were acceptable. Neither is true, and especially when writing for young people, we should be careful not to inadvertently send subtle sexist messages; male pronouns apply only to males--not to everyone. Using plural Warm, comforting, very quick read introducing children and their parents to Asperger's Syndrome. Nice photos of cute cats on each page if you're a cat lover. My only quarrel with the book is that it uses male pronouns exclusively as if they were gender-neutral or sexist language were acceptable. Neither is true, and especially when writing for young people, we should be careful not to inadvertently send subtle sexist messages; male pronouns apply only to males--not to everyone. Using plural pronouns with single subjects in order to avoid sexist language is entirely appropriate, although even that is usually avoidable by simply changing the subject from singular to plural, or even switching off between male and female pronouns. Were it not for this problem, I'd give the book a 5. ...more

5

Jun 06, 2010

I just read this book for the second time. As a cat lover and a person who works with individuals with intellectual disabilties I find it funny and fascinating. The photos are delightful and the insights are spot on. It is a wonderful introduction to a little understoood syndrome. This book should be in every school's library.

4

May 29, 2019

3.5 stars
A nice short book with beautiful pictures, teaching about Asperger's Syndrome. Yes it overgeneralises but so do most books that want to keep it simple. But just as cats can be(have) very differently so do people and so do people with Asperger's Syndrome. As a first and simple introduction I think it does a wonderful job.

5

Dec 18, 2014

I felt so lucky to find this at my local library. It is not a novelty book as I thought it might be, and it isn't strictly a children's book either. The text is simple but doesn't talk down to older readers; it just explains Asperger's Syndrome in a very easy-to-understand way. Since everyone is going to come across people with AS, in the interest of deepening understanding and compassion, I truly think it would benefit everyone to read it. And who can resist the adorable pictures of kitties! I felt so lucky to find this at my local library. It is not a novelty book as I thought it might be, and it isn't strictly a children's book either. The text is simple but doesn't talk down to older readers; it just explains Asperger's Syndrome in a very easy-to-understand way. Since everyone is going to come across people with AS, in the interest of deepening understanding and compassion, I truly think it would benefit everyone to read it. And who can resist the adorable pictures of kitties! (Ok, who but Shauna? ;) )

Many of us understand that cats are really picky, persnickety creatures, but we love them anyway. They push us away when we want to snuggle. They can get obsessed with a certain toy or blanket. They don't reciprocate love in the same way we give it. They are just...different. It was a stroke of genius for Kathy Hoopman to compare cats to folks with AS since both can sometimes be difficult to decipher--but should be easy to love when we appreciate them for their unique strengths and world views.

As with any diagnosis, there is a broad range of traits, so some will ring true and others not to each reader. But the things that were true in my experience were so spot on, and married to some really tender pictures, that I shouldn't have been surprised when I felt my eyes spring a leak once or twice.

I have now written probably more words than the book contains, so if you have got this far, for heaven's sake, go get a copy! It is really quick to read, and you'll be glad you did. ...more

4

Dec 27, 2018

Here's a delightful book explaining the traits of Asperger's Syndrome, with short, simple text over illustrative and cute pics of kittens and cats. It's obviously aimed at children but it wouldn't be a bad first place to start learning as an adult and it only takes a few minutes to read cover to cover. The idea probably came from the quote "Cats are autistic dogs," which is quite apt...

Quibbles:
1. The convention is "Asperger's Syndrome," not "Asperger Syndrome."
2. A small number of the traits Here's a delightful book explaining the traits of Asperger's Syndrome, with short, simple text over illustrative and cute pics of kittens and cats. It's obviously aimed at children but it wouldn't be a bad first place to start learning as an adult and it only takes a few minutes to read cover to cover. The idea probably came from the quote "Cats are autistic dogs," which is quite apt...

Quibbles:
1. The convention is "Asperger's Syndrome," not "Asperger Syndrome."
2. A small number of the traits mentioned do not apply to all but the phrasing suggests they do.
3. The gendered language, "His..." throughout is frustrating because Aspergirls exist and this could give the impression that they don't. It's avoidable just by rephrasing to refer to plural Aspies. ...more

5

Apr 05, 2011

This book is a nice hardcover book with shiny pages. It will be a nice coffee table book. I read it aloud to my son, who has Aspergers, & husband. We laughed. It does an excellent job of explaining Aspergers.

(view spoiler)[One page says, "When people talk to him he may refuse to look at them." I remember the Special Ed Director at my son's elementary school yelling at him, "Look at me." The SPECIAL ED DIRECTOR no less!!!

"Sometimes his relatives think they could bring him up better than his This book is a nice hardcover book with shiny pages. It will be a nice coffee table book. I read it aloud to my son, who has Aspergers, & husband. We laughed. It does an excellent job of explaining Aspergers.

(view spoiler)[One page says, "When people talk to him he may refuse to look at them." I remember the Special Ed Director at my son's elementary school yelling at him, "Look at me." The SPECIAL ED DIRECTOR no less!!!

"Sometimes his relatives think they could bring him up better than his parents." Yes, not to mention his scout leaders, the court ... The public school system couldn't handle his behavior & turned him over to the court system, who threatened to take him away from us. Thx to the social worker who they assigned to us, he was released from probation. And his juvie record has been expunged!!

"He's often fussy about what he eats." For years I bought Nalley's Walla Walla Onion Chili. It's still the only kind of chili he likes.

One reviewer didn't like he being used. Most people with Aspergers are male. Frankly, I didn't catch it. (hide spoiler)]

The author also has a book named All Dogs Have ADHD. Sounds good to me. Aren't dogs excitable & easily distracted? ...more

5

Oct 23, 2014

A fun book to explain Asperger's Syndrome using pictures of cats gathered from the internet.

It explains the nuances of the disorder, how the child feels and how the child can use these personality traits to reach great heights and succeed in life. It also describes how parents can nurture the child.

A good book for giving parents hope that their child is not a lost cause and explaining it to siblings. I will be sending this to my dad so he can finally make the connection between my childhood A fun book to explain Asperger's Syndrome using pictures of cats gathered from the internet.

It explains the nuances of the disorder, how the child feels and how the child can use these personality traits to reach great heights and succeed in life. It also describes how parents can nurture the child.

A good book for giving parents hope that their child is not a lost cause and explaining it to siblings. I will be sending this to my dad so he can finally make the connection between my childhood traits and my diagnosis. ...more

4

Feb 11, 2010

This book was great to read with my sons to help them understand what this Asperger's stuff that we keep talking about is. The pictures of the cats really helped to illustrate the different ways that Asperger's may be manifested. It was good for my oldest son who has been diagnosed with Asperger's understand himself better and for my youngest to understand his brother better. It was a great discussion book for the family. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a quick look at This book was great to read with my sons to help them understand what this Asperger's stuff that we keep talking about is. The pictures of the cats really helped to illustrate the different ways that Asperger's may be manifested. It was good for my oldest son who has been diagnosed with Asperger's understand himself better and for my youngest to understand his brother better. It was a great discussion book for the family. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a quick look at Asperger's Syndrome or has a child with Asperger's. ...more

1

Jun 05, 2013

As I laid out in my review of All Dogs Have ADHD, this book fell short of what the descriptions and reviews seemed to imply. Rather than a fun little LOLcats parody that plays up their sometimes mystifying and simultaneously adorable behaviors to make Asperger Syndrome easier for people to relate to, it was simply generalized, humorless descriptions of symptoms set to generic stock images of cats. In other words, nothing special and thus an unfortunate disappointment.

5

Aug 26, 2012

This book was so sweet and yet somehow so depressing at the same time. I just didn't like how the narration used "he" throughout it. I'm told boys are more prone to an ASD. But it would have been nice to be gender neutral. It's not like girls cannot have Asperger's.

5

Mar 09, 2013

Hoopmann has created something special here. This is a great book for helping family, friends, peers, teachers, etc better understand Asperger's and how it impacts the daily lives of children.

3

Feb 17, 2018

Meh. Good try but nothing spectacular. I wanted it to be funnier. It was relatable to some extent but I also read the All Dogs Have ADHD and it was virtually the same book. There were even some lines that were the same. This book had the potential for so much more. It could have been a bridge for conversation about the disorder in a more lighthearted way. Instead it was kind of that but more generic than I would have liked. It was more like a list of symptoms with some stock photos and like I Meh. Good try but nothing spectacular. I wanted it to be funnier. It was relatable to some extent but I also read the All Dogs Have ADHD and it was virtually the same book. There were even some lines that were the same. This book had the potential for so much more. It could have been a bridge for conversation about the disorder in a more lighthearted way. Instead it was kind of that but more generic than I would have liked. It was more like a list of symptoms with some stock photos and like I said some of the wording was even the same as in the other book.
(*this is pretty much the same review I wrote for All Dogs Have ADHD because in my eyes they seem like basically the same book) ...more

5

Jul 17, 2013

Each year I find myself thinking of ways to talk to students about Autism. We have many students with these diagnosis and I think it's important to educate their peers. I have found that the classrooms with the most lack of knowledge are the ones that have the most bullying and vice versa. They are a fun, adorable way to help others understand what each syndrome looks like. I also think they would be good to use with students with a recent diagnosis understand and deal with the news.
I really Each year I find myself thinking of ways to talk to students about Autism. We have many students with these diagnosis and I think it's important to educate their peers. I have found that the classrooms with the most lack of knowledge are the ones that have the most bullying and vice versa. They are a fun, adorable way to help others understand what each syndrome looks like. I also think they would be good to use with students with a recent diagnosis understand and deal with the news.
I really can't wait to use them next year, so I bought them immediately. ...more