Eli’s Quiet Friend is one of the first children’s books linking autism and Catholicism. As an autistic, I often like the quiet of adoration for praying and I know many fellow autistics do as well. This book brings autistic prayer down to the level of early elementary, while I have written on autistic prayer for those aged 12+. I will be recommending it to parents of autistic children and Catholic elementary teachers with autistic students.
Above is the blurb I sent to Pauline Books and Media when I got a review copy. Now let me add a little more detail for parents or teachers who might consider it. You can order it from their website or from Amazon starting today.
A summary: the book follows Eli, a young autistic boy who is overwhelmed by sounds. His grandma likes things quiet like he does so he is close to grandma. Grandma tells him a Bible story and leads him to a quiet adoration chapel.
Beyond an autistic audience, the book might also be good for introducing Eucharistic adoration to some children.
Ultimately, I hope Eli’s Quiet Friend helps many kids know Jesus better in adoration.
