 Books with cute pictures of cats in funny poses will always have an audience. The bestselling Bad Cat (Workman Publishing Company, 2004) even sparked a series of calendars and follow-ups such as Bad Dog (Workman Publishing Company, 2005). This one, however, has a purpose beyond pure entertainment. ALL CATS HAVE ASPERGER SYNDROME (November 2006, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Paperback Original, $14.95; ISBN-10: 1-84310-481-4; 72 pages) explains a disorder that is becoming more and more prevalent. Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a milder variant of Autism. It is often characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior in childhood. ALL CATS HAVE ASPERGER SYNDROME shows the common traits of AS using humor and compassion.
The practical and playful aspects of ALL CATS HAVE ASPERGER SYNDROME will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Parents and teachers can use it as a wonderful tool for explaining the disorder to siblings, grandparents, and peers of AS kids. The positive-spin on AS makes it an ideal and uplifting gift for a person with AS or their loved ones. Of course, people who just love funny pictures of cats will also be drawn to the book and learn something.
Kathy Hoopman has the talented ability to describe Asperger Syndrome to kids of all ages through her creative stories. She is the author of the Asperger Adventure series for middle-grade readers: Blue Bottle Mystery, Of Mice and Aliens, and Lisa and the Lacemaker, as well as an adolescent novel, Haze, all published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. She became involved with Asperger children after her son was diagnosed with the disorder. Hoopman lives in Dubai, UAE with her husband and three children.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers specializes in producing accessible professional and academic books in the social and behavioral sciences. In 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers was named both the Academic & Professional Publisher of the Year and the overall Independent Publisher of the Year at the Independent Publishing Awards in London. The prizes coincide with Jessica Kingsley Publishers' 20th year as an independent company. Jessica Kingsley books are available worldwide through distributors, local bookstores and online bookstores. The company has offices in London and Philadelphia. More information can be found at www.jkp.com. |
