A helpful story for kids with autism spectrum disorders as they follow a young zebra who learns to understand how he is different from the rest of his classmates. 

amp quot It teaches us to embrace not only who we are, but also to embrace the people around us who are brilliantly different thanks to their own amazing, colorful stripes. amp quot -Stan Lee, Chairman emeritus of Marvel Comics

Gold Medal, Mom's Choice Awards. Foreword by Alison Singer, President, Autism Science Foundation.

Zane the zebra often feels different. He worries that his classmates don't notice his amp quot curiosity, amp quot amp quot honesty, amp quot or amp quot caring stripes, amp quot  just his amp quot autism stripe. amp quot With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes, including his amp quot autism stripe, amp quot as the unique strengths that make him who he is.

Includes a Reading Guide with additional background information about autism spectrum disorders and a Note to Parents and Caregivers with tips for finding support.

Excerpt:

All My Stripes provides readers a small yet enlightening glimpse into a day in the life of a young, smart, caring, honest, and curious zebra named Zane. Zane is experiencing challenges at school often associated with autism spectrum disorders. This story can serve as a teaching tool for caregivers-such as parents, grandparents, and teachers-to help other children and family members understand the various challenges individuals on the autism spectrum face on a day-to-day basis. Those that are highlighted in this story are discussed in more depth in the Reading Guide.

Prizes

Mom's Choice Award Gold Medal

Gold Medal, Mom's Choice Awards

amp quot All My Stripes focuses on Zane, a zebra who fears that others in his class will ostracize him for his amp quot autism stripe amp quot (a mark over his forehead that denotes his condition) but who, with the help of his supportive mother, learns to accept himself. Bright, cartoonlike illustrations differ from book to book but are cheerful and upbeat, while the writing is simple and accessible, if purposeful. All titles include notes for parents and caregivers on the subjects, strategies for helping children cope, and web resources. amp quot -School Library Journal

amp ldquo A wonderful tool to help create understanding and compassion in young children for those who are on the autism spectrum, All My Stripes is a book that belongs on the shelves of every parent and educator. amp rdquo -Portland Book Review

amp ldquo An invaluable resource for teaching children of all backgrounds about autism. Highly recommended. amp rdquo -Midwest Book Review

amp ldquo The book will help those without autism to understand and accept the differences in others. amp rdquo -California Kids

amp quot It teaches us to embrace not only who we are, but also to embrace the people around us who are brilliantly different thanks to their own amazing, colorful stripes. amp quot -Stan Lee, Chairman emeritus of Marvel Comics

amp quot Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer have done a magnificent job shedding light on some of the hardships a child with autism goes through. Beyond this, they ve done an equally impressive job detailing how unique, beautiful, and caring these children are. Zane is a hero in my eyes, just like each and every child out there dealing with autism. Additionally, Zane s Mama is a wonderful role model for parents and teachers and exemplifies a favorite quote of mine: 'With great love, all things are possible. amp quot -Russell Simmons, Philanthropist and founder of Def Jam Recordings

amp quot Rudolph and Royer shine a light on the autism spectrum, but go a step further and show how endearing, unique and beautiful the children are in this inspiring story about embracing differences. amp quot -Children's Books Heal

amp quot All My Stripes is a wonderful book that will delight children and parents alike. Entertaining, enjoyable, and enlightening. amp quot -Bill Paxton, Emmy-nominated actor and director

amp quot As the parent of a 27-year-old child with autism, I only wish All My Stripes had been around when my daughter was at a young age as it would have been yet another useful tool for us as parents, for her as a child, and for the rest of the world that she is now a part of. amp quot -Joe Mantegna, Emmy-nominated actor and director

Shaina Rudolph has been educating children in urban and suburban settings for 2 years. Working in different socioeconomic environments has allowed her the rare capability to develop close relationships with students from all walks of life. These relationships, in turn, have taught her the importance of reaching one's potential. She lives near Los Angeles, CA.

Danielle Royer has had a passion for teaching and working with children from a young age. Inspired by her two youngest brothers, both of whom have learning differences, she has always felt it extremely important that children feel comfortable and empowered in their own skin. Over her career, she has cultivated this message of empowerment to cater to her students' individual needs, no matter their stripes. She lives in Santa Monica, CA.

Jennifer Zivoin has always loved art and storytelling, so becoming an illustrator was a natural career path. She has been trained in media ranging from figure drawing to virtual reality, and earned her bachelor of arts degree with highest distinction from the honors division of Indiana University. During her professional career, Jennifer worked as a graphic designer and then as a creative director before finding her artistic niche illustrating children's books, including Something Happened in Our Town, Did You Hear?, and A World of Pausabilities. She lives in Indiana.Visit her at www.jzartworks.com.