BRODY THE LION MEETS THE DOC

Friends and family help an anxious lion cub with autism get through his medical exam.

This appealing picture book by a clinical psychologist at the Autism and Behavior Center in Western Wisconsin is the fourth in a series featuring autistic lion cub Brody—who roars when he feels overwhelmed. Told in pleasing rhyme, it begins as Brody worries about the approach of his annual medical checkup. He knows that a “big poke” will be involved, and he is apprehensive about what else will happen (“even just the thought of walking through Doc’s door / made Brody worry and really want to ROAR”). Wegner, who dedicates her books to children and families “embracing the joys and facing the challenges of autism,” deftly uses Brody’s experiences to model parental advocacy, positive reinforcement, and communication techniques in a nonclinical way. Here, adults Mrs. G, a giraffe, and Dr. Roo, a kangaroo, help reassure Brody by setting up a playroom doctor’s visit. Brody overcomes his anxiety and upsetting moments, like accidentally flipping a fish out of the fish tank, by taking a deep breath and counting. Stayer’s cartoon-style illustrations, encompassing the clearly lettered black text, fill each page with color, expressive characters, and thoughtful details; e.g., the inclusion of a teddy bear in a wheelchair and a nonverbal child’s communication tablet device. The book ends with substantive tips to help children facing medical and therapy appointments.

A well-informed narrative with an appealing animal stand-in for a child with autism.