Written by Naoki Higashida when he was only thirteen this remarkable book provides rare
insight into the often baffling behaviour of autistic children. Using a question and answer
format Naoki explains things like why he talks loudly or repeats the same questions what
causes him to have panic attacks and why he likes to jump. He also shows the way he thinks and
feels about his world - other people nature time and beauty and himself. Abundantly proving
that people with autism do possess imagination humour and empathy he also makes clear how
badly they need our compassion patience and understanding. David Mitchell and his wife have
translated Naoki's book so that it might help others dealing with autism and generally
illuminate a little-understood condition. It gives us an exceptional chance to enter the mind
of another and see the world from a strange and fascinating perspective. The book also features
eleven original illustrations inspired by Naoki's words by the artistic duo Kai and Sunny.
