Overview

Aydin is a sweet boy who loves adventures, especially when it's with his best friend, Sam the poodle. But sometimes his love of exploring and curiosity can be dangerous when he isn't safe. Aydin sees the world differently, and he learns differently, too. He might put things in his mouth to understand them better, like a flower. He loves animals so he might approach a dog, even when it might not be friendly like Sam. This isn't safe for Aydin. But with the help of his trusty canine companion, and his parents, of course, Aydin learns what is safe to do and why it is important. Being an adventurer is fun...and tiring!

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""A fun, uplifting adventure woven with heart, wisdom, and a dash of discovery... Özra makes a strong debut with a sensitive and deeply relatable story, offering a poignant glimpse into the world of a neurodivergent child. Aydin is a curious, adventurous boy who loves exploring the world with his loyal poodle, Sam. But his excitement sometimes leads him into risky situations. He sees things differently and learns in his own way, sometimes in ways that aren't always safe. Fortunately, with Sam's gentle guidance and his parents' support, Aydin begins to understand what's safe and why it matters. Aydin's boundless curiosity propels him into exciting discoveries but also into potentially dangerous situations-climbing too high, touching hot objects, or darting toward busy streets. In each instance, Sam is a steady presence, stepping in with a reassuring ""Ruff!"" to gently guide him back to safety. This dynamic presents an empathetic, non-restrictive approach to teaching safety, reinforcing that exploration and caution can coexist. Rather than stifling Aydin's sense of wonder, Sam's presence empowers him to engage with the world while learning to recognize risks-an essential balance for children who experience their surroundings with heightened intensity and may struggle with traditional safety lessons. The narrative is warm and supportive, reinforcing safety concepts through Aydin's direct experiences. This structure facilitates learning through repetition, allowing children to absorb important lessons naturally. For instance, Aydin's fascination with cars and fire is met with Sam's patient guidance, emphasizing the importance of listening to those who care for us. This approach of combining visual storytelling with simple, clear cues-makes the book particularly effective for neurodivergent children who benefit from structured, experience-based learning. However, the book is more than just a guide to safety rules-it is a deeply empathetic exploration of trust, growth, and the profound bond between a child and his devoted companion. Aydin's journey is not only about recognizing danger; it's about understanding that he is never alone in navigating the world. Sam is not there to scold or control but to offer guidance and emotional reassurance, reinforcing the idea that safety isn't about restriction. It's about support. This dynamic mirrors the experiences of many neurodivergent children, who often learn best through hands-on experiences, supported by patient and understanding caregivers. The story beautifully captures the trust Aydin places in Sam and Sam's quiet devotion in return, showing that independence and safety are not opposing forces but can grow together. Vibrant illustrations provide a perfect companion to the creative text... A must-have for families, educators, and therapists working with neurodivergent children. Libraries focused on inclusivity and diverse learning experiences will find this an essential addition to their collections."" The Prairies Book Review

Author Information

Children's author Z.Z. Özra has always loved visual stories and illustrated books. When she decided to write a picture book, she didn't have to look far for inspiration. Aydin Stays Safe was created for her son who is autistic with additional needs and the story is based on his experiences. It is a book that Z.Z. hopes will help other children like Aydin the character, understand which types of playful exploration are risky or safe. Z.Z. gets information for her stories both from the life of her son and from her homeschooling experience that enabled her to teach him the way that he learns. It was some of her son's traits that drew her to see parallels in her personal history which led to her own late diagnosis of autism. She hopes young readers come away from her story with a sense of adventure and a learning lesson that stays with them long after the book is closed. When she isn't writing, Z.Z. loves reading, going to the beach, and hanging out at the parks with her five children. She and her husband live with their family in Southern California. Aydin Stays Safe is her debut picture book with plans to write additional stories that expand on safety, inclusion and accessible learning. Tammy Do is a children's book illustrator originally from Vietnam and currently based in Orange County, California. She holds an MA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

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