Review of Laura Vickers "Flying to see Janet' book

Laura Vickers’  book ‘Flying to see Janet’ is by far the best book I have seen about travel written for younger kids with autism. Over the past decade, I have seen multiple books that have tried to address the topic of autism and travel some more successful than others but most didn’t  manage to describe the airport experience in a simple language easy for most to comprehend. This well-organized book chronicles the various steps of airline travel in a fun and engaging way that is sure to delight children and their parents alike.

What  you’ll find in ‘Flying to see Janet.’

The soft cover book serves as a ”go to’ manual for parents; answering all those WH questions the kids might have before flying. Interwoven in the book are concepts that might seem like common sense to many but might be needed to be reiterated to those on the autism spectrum. Like the notion that there are things you can’t say out loud in today’s day and age described on p.17.”…Even though you might think of a hilarious joke about security, it’s important not to say it out loud because someone might think you are serious” and the useful tips to cope with unpleasant situations – p.25 “Sometimes my ears can feel funny during takeoff and landing …I chew gum or yawn a lot to get them back to normal…” The book’s storyline starts at the home with the packing stage and continues with the drive to the airport. It continues with the check-in process, TSA inspection, and the actual flight. The book ends with the passengers’ arrival at the baggage claim. I liked the fact the book is written in a clear and humorous language suitable for many families with autism; both those who have never flown before as well as for those who could use a quick refresher course. The eye-catching illustrations add particular value in describing thoughts and feelings that can help prepare the travelers with autism face unexpected events like turbulence and lessen their ‘anxiety levels as described on page p.29. “…Fun! I feel like I am on a school bus traveling on a bumpy dirt road” as well as maintain their interest reading the paperback book…”

The book highlights

My particular favorites were the different visual techniques mentioned to occupy bored kids; like looking out for the art in airports (p.15) as well as Peggy Wargelin’s (the book’s illustrator and parent to an autistic daughter) tips for parents at the end of the book that many readers will find quite practical.]]>