The Fairview Review: All the Small Wonderful Things Virtual Book Tour

ABOUT THE BOOK

All the Small Wonderful Things

Written by Kate Foster

Ages 8+ | 240 Pages

Publisher: Candlewick | ISBN-13: 9781536225808

Publisher’s Book Summary: In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last.

Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the Cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought—unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity.

This charming story, told through Alex’s clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn’t one-size-fits-all—maybe it’s found in the small things where you least expect it.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

MY REVIEW

This story follows Alex as he works on his big plan for success in secondary school - he must make a friend before the end of his last year in primary school. We learn that Alex has autism and has difficulty interpreting social cues. He has taken “Be Aware classes” to help learn how to understand body language and facial expressions, but sometimes he is still confused. So his big plan includes three possibilities: he will defeat all the levels of a popular video game and share his skill with others in his class, he will help his relay team in P.E. class to reach the district competition, and he will win a trophy at the upcoming dog show. With all these accomplishments, Alex is sure that the others will see him as a desirable friend at last. While he is working on these goals, his family is coping with his father’s absence at a work assignment. We see Alex with his classmates; some tease him, some show strained patience, and some are openly helpful and kind. And the closest relationship besides his mother and brother is with his beloved dog Kevin. Time and again Kevin gives companionship, comfort, and joy. Readers will see that even if Alex is not always in sync with his peers, he has at least one steadfast friend to depend on.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Foster is a children’s author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the southeast of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via a positive approach and representation in both her books as well as her presentations and talks.

For more information, visit www.kfosterbooks.com.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The Children’s Book Review

Book Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Fairview Review

Book Review of All the Small Wonderful Things

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Life Is What It’s Called

Author Interview with Kate Foster

Friday, October 27, 2023