It’s an incredible feeling knowing that the next generation will grow up with so many positive neurodiverse characters to admire and learn from. Sesame Street’s Julia taught us that differences are what make us unique, whilst Pablo taught us how alternative perspectives keep things exciting. Now, with the release of Tom Percival’s Meesha Makes Friends, we have a new spectrum themed star and she too wants to show the world how autism can shine.
This is the story of a girl who can create anything she puts her mind to, but struggles when it comes to friendships. This is Meesha Makes Friends.
Meesha’s Message:
No matter your age, making friends is never easy. However, giving good advice on making friends is just as hard. This is something I learned when I was younger and was told that liking football would help me make chums – advice which, in reality, just made me look like a fool (as my lack of real enthusiasm shone through).
Thankfully, Meesha Makes Friends is not a story about the actions we need to take to become ‘popular’. Instead, it shows that we are much more likely to make connections that will last if we let our personalities and our real interests speak out.
Meesha Makes Friends demonstrates this in many ways throughout its charming tale but, what I particularly liked about the part where Meesha does make friends (after she is forced to attend a party), is that she does so without uttering a word.
This makes for a nice comparison from the first few pages where Meesha feels she must go out of her way to get noticed; a friend making tactic which is okay for some, but for others who struggle socially can result in many cringe-worthy moments for you to reflect on in later years (yes, I am still speaking about football and, yes, this does include a crude attempt at a David Beckham mohawk).
As such, whether you are little or large, autistic or not, Meesha makes friends is a great book for those who may be potentially anxious for an upcoming big event; like a new school year, or for those who could do with a beautifully illustrated reminder that, friendships or not, it’s okay to be content on your own.
Arts and Crafts:
Speaking of illustrations, Meesha Makes Friends features some stunning visuals within its pages. This comes courtesy of Percival’s trademark Chibi-esque characters which, like the illustrator’s previous works, are just the right amount of adorable that their smiles will melt your heart, whilst their frowns will break it – I mean just look at that sigh in the image above!
When the artwork isn’t tugging at your heartstrings though, Meesha Makes Friends also includes many endearing decorations which capture the imagination of the innovative lead. A highlight of this is the anthropomorphized sounds and actions (like when Meesha plays her recorder) as, on one hand, it captures Meesha’s childish wonder but, on the other, could allude to autistic synesthesia (either way they are wonderful!).
Like other books from the author/illustrator, Meesha Makes Friends has an extremely autism-friendly use of colour. This can be seen by the use of low-level pastel reds and blues for major points of interest – making the book easier to follow for easily distracted autists. And, for those with sensory disorders, this same technique also limits triggers which can be found in the harsher tones of some similar books.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean Meesha Makes Friends lacks any polished detailing as, once Meesha gets creating, readers will get lost looking at the toys she invents – which carry a kind of joy that is more ‘Forky’ from Toy Story 4 and less like the monstrous amalgamations in Toy Story 1.
Should you read Meesha Makes Friends?
Meesha really can make anything. She will make you appreciate how great it is to just be yourself, She will make you understand that you don’t need to force a friendship. Meesha will make you happy, Meesha will you make smile. Meesha will make you fall in love with just being you.
Meesha Makes Friends is currently available on Amazon but, for those who would like to support their local businesses (which may currently be struggling), I would first recommend popping into your nearest bookstore and see if you can find it there.
Want to know more about Meesha? Then why not check out the book’s trailer below:
Carry on the Conversation:
I would like to take this moment to thank the lovely people at Bloomsbury for sponsoring today’s post and for giving me the opportunity to get lost inside Meesha’s world. To find more books like this title, click here and check out other awesome works by Tom Percival and more.
As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.
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Thank you for reading and I will see you next week for more thoughts from across the spectrum.
