Looking after Louis

A beautifully crafted story of children learning to understand their autistic classmate, gradually discovering how they can include him in their activities.

Louis has an autistic spectrum disorder and reacts differently than his classmates. They have to learn how to understand him and help him to join in with their lessons in the classroom and games outside.

Initially disconcerted by his behaviour and angered when he unknowingly spoils their games, they all find their own special pleasure when he shows he likes playing football, and they learn that sometimes you are allowed to break the rules for special people.

Completed by a simple professional explanation of the condition, the story sympathetically addresses the difficulties involved in dealing with autism, while Dunbar's illustrations powerfully underscore Louis differences. In a world of open-eyed children and adults, Louis alone has dots for eyes.