We're Amazing 1, 2, 3! A Story About Friendship and Autism
By Leslie Kimmelman & Beth Nelson



This is a sweet story with Sesame Street characters, Elmo, Abby, and Julia to bring awareness to Autism so kids and people with Autism can be better understood. This particular story would probably be best for early elementary due to the simplicity of the message delivery.

The story simply begins with Elmo and his long-time friend, Julia playing. It shows us how similar Elmo and Julia are regarding the things they like to do, but it subtly shows us the difference in how they do the things they like. Abby, another friend of Elmo's comes along and wants to play with Elmo and his friend. When Julia doesn't make eye contact or respond to Abby, she feels hurt, but Elmo explains that it is hard for Abby to talk and swing at the same time.

He explains to Abby how Julia's dad says Julia has Autism and does things a little differently. Elmo says sometimes he has to repeat himself and it often takes a while for Julia to respond when spoken to.  Although Julia might take a while to respond and might not make eye contact with you, she is able to do lots of other things some kids can't. After they are done playing at the park, Abby learns that Julia is very sensitive to noises that might not bother everyone else.

It is a tender way to show how accepting Elmo and his friend are of Julia even though she doesn't do things the same way they do. Of course this doesn't encompass all there is to people with Autism, but it is a great place to start to open kids up to how kids or people with Autism might behave. There is a message that kids can learn a lot from one another. It teaches acceptance, patience, and friendship.

Read Aloud of We're Amazing 1, 2, 3!