Issue 126

Jack’s best day ever is a really heart-warming tale about neurodivergent friendship, with some gorgeous illustrations. Tell us a little bit about the story of the book and what made you want to write it.

I had always dreamed of writing a children’s book. However, lockdown was the catalyst to kickstart that dream. At the time I was finishing a large project at work around disability inclusion, yet at home my neurodiverse son was having huge challenges around reading, remote learning, and social interactions (and still does). I wanted to write a book that all kids would find fun but also to show my son that he is loved and seen. I also realised during this time that there was no diversity on our own bookshelf at home.

At first, I could not stop writing. The book was far too long for a children’s picture book so, with the help of the editor, we pared it right back. I had to really think about what I was trying to achieve with the book and who the intended audience would be.

I wanted to show the main character, Jack, as the loving, friendly and helpful boy that he is. Yes, he thinks about the world differently; however, that is also his superpower. He is extremely creative and passionate about certain things.

Gabrielle with her son, Jack

The book is strongly themed around friendship. Relationships have often been the focus of works of literature covering neurodiversity. Why do you think this is so central to conversations about neurodiverse people?

In our experience, friendships and social interactions more broadly, are the main areas that Jack is constantly navigating his way through. He sometimes doesn’t understand the social nuances when it comes to interacting with others, and they don’t understand where he is coming from either. My intention when writing this book was to try to help bridge that gap slightly and help educate on why a neurodiverse person might do certain things and how those things help them.

At the end of the day, no matter where we come from, or how differently everyone operates, we all belong. Some people just require a little more help than others.

The illustrations have been created in a friendly, watercolour pencil style by Annabelle Hale. What led you to working with Annabelle and how did you decide on the style in which the book would be illustrated?

The publisher, Woodslane Press, engaged Annabelle directly as they were already working with her on another book project. I reached out to her to introduce myself, so that she could get a sense of Jack and his sisters. However, we didn’t collaborate with each other until after the book was finished. It’s important to trust in the process and give the illustrator space to do what they do best – to create.

Annabelle did such a wonderful job bringing Jack’s story to life in a fun, colourful and inclusive way. The page where Jack bravely saves the day from the lions is my favourite, but kids have told me they love many of the pages. The giraffes, the lions, the birthday party – all winners in their view.

It turns out that Annabelle and I live only a few blocks from each other, so we have since been able to visit kindergardens, go to conferences, and have a book launch together, which has been very special.

On your Instagram you’ve written, ‘Diversity in books has the opportunity to generate rich, meaningful conversations at home and school for everyone.’ What sort of rich conversations are you hoping your book will create in homes and schools?

Even in our home this book has generated the most beautiful ‘ah-ha’ moments. For years Jack’s sisters known there is a difference between them and their brother, but have not fully understood why. Largely because we treat everyone the same at home.

The moment his younger sister finished reading the book, it created a platform for her to be able to ask us questions and better understand why her brother does certain things.

The book has been written in a way that doesn’t say tht Jack is neurodiverse. Instead, it shows the type of things that Jack does and why (i.e. for example flapping his hands when he is excited and covering his ears when things are too noisy). That way readers can just enjoy it as a fun story, or they can choose to ask why Jack is doing certain things. 

What role do you think school libraries play in making school a safer place for neurodiverse children?

School libraries are the heart of any school. They provide a safe, quiet and welcoming space for all members of the school community to come and relax. Whether that be quiet reading, group time, or Lego club. It’s a place for everyone to feel welcome and supported to just be themselves.

School libraries are often a bit of a haven for neurodiverse children. The playground can be extremely noisy and is a difficult space to navigate socially. It is so important for them to have somewhere for some quiet downtime where they are able to regulate themselves.

Libraries also offer a wide range of books that are representative of the entire diverse community. When all children see versions of themselves in books it makes them feel seen, loved and accepted.

Are there any ways you’ve seen library staff make a difference a neurodiverse child’s life?

The librarian at Jack’s specialist school has been extremely supportive of this book. Jack was so proud when he came home one day and said that she loved it so much that she was ordering ten copies! One for each of their classrooms plus the library.

Jack attends two schools and both principals have also been advocates for the book. St Paul’s principal, Timothy Hemphill, describes the book as ‘a beautiful tribute to Jack’.

‘Jack is one of the real characters at St Paul’s; a born conversationalist. Interacting with Jack is always a joy for me and for everyone around him. St Paul’s is fully committed to celebrating diversity and differences with respect, kindness and fun and Gabrielle’s book joyfully does the same. I have no doubt that many children and families will fall in love with this story.’

Further Information

If you are interested in Gabrielle’s journey, you can follow her on Instagram at: gabriellebassett_author

Copies of the book can be purchased from Woodslane Press.