Books Beyond Words series: George Gets Smart. By Sheila Hollins, Margaret Flynn and Philippa Russell. Susan’s Growing Up. By Sheila Hollins and Valerie Sinason. pound;10 each. GaskellSt George’s Hospital Medical School. Available from the Royal College of Psychiatrists Tel: 020 7235 2351 ext 146.
These two titles are the latest in a series of books which tackle tricky subjects at a very simple level. Told entirely in pictures, the stories are based on main characters who have significant learning difficulties.
The only words come at the end of each book, where there are suggestions for parents and carers on telling the stories, together with details of organisations.
George Gets Smart is about a young man who learns to accept that personal hygiene is important if he wants to be accepted by others and make friends.
Susan’s Growing Up is about a girl who needs help in understanding what is happening to her body as she begins to menstruate,and how to take responsibility for her personal care.
Catherine Brighton’s illustrations are very direct, clear and colourful. Although the books are not cheap, with the help of a sympathetic adult they should succeed in helping to convey some basic, but important messages to young people who cannot read.
Rona Tutt
