Book Nook: Penguin in the Window

 Youngsters who fall under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as the authors child does, are faced with all sorts of social and communication problems, characterized by persistent challenges with social communication and social interaction, and by the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.

These symptoms begin in early childhood and can impact function. Impairments in social skills present many challenges for autistic individuals. Deficits in social skills may lead to problems with friendships, romantic relationships, daily living, and vocational success. One study that examined the outcomes of autistic adults found that, compared to the general population, those with ASD were less likely to be married, but it is unclear whether this outcome was due to deficits in social skills or intellectual impairment, or some other reason.

Synopsis of ‘Penguin in the Window’ by MM Hobs:

A wonderfully illustrated children’s book inspired by true events of a unique penguin who has been peering through a window for 20 plus years, seen by the author as a little girl in a Surrey village,  who waves and brings back happiness and understanding to the friendly bird.

Penguin is always worried and this fact is highlighted in the illustrations throughout. There are those that show penguin, having panicked so much, that Penguin ends up in a trickier situation than before, far away from family.

Penguin goes through many emotions which will encourage the young reader to talk of their own and ending the book with positive ‘I am’ affirmations.

 

About the author:                  

M M Hobs is the pen name of Michelle Obiago, a mixed raced single mum of three, one who is on the ASD spectrum. She both wrote and illustrated ‘Penguin in the Window,’ being a self-taught illustrator after having years of passion for art and sketching. Michelle reveals that she is the little girl in her book.

Says Michelle: “Over past months I have done thumbnail after thumbnail - Fibonacci sequences, tips and tricks, studied perspectives and Compositions on YouTube as well as picking up priceless knowledge of my artistic traits and skills from my grandmother, a retired art lecturer who studied and taught for several years alongside some of the greatest British artists at the renowned Goldsmiths College London and Hartlepool College of Art, including Art Director Ridley Scott and Donald Jackson, a master calligrapher.”

In her spare time Michelle is passionate about calligraphy and genealogy building on her own family tree and researching back stories of family lines. Before the pandemic she attended several London film comic cons where she had the opportunity of meeting illustrators as well as TV and movie actors. “Great fun!” she exclaims.