Lauren is back in the newest book in the “Days” series by Sara Leach and illustrated by Rebecca Bender. In this story, Lauren, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, continues to navigate school and home and is learning to “go with the flow”. 

Sara Leach kindly and matter of factly shares Lauren’s journey with readers. We learn the challenges that Lauren faces everyday at home and school. Readers will also recognize the same challenges that we all face during childhood: navigating friendships, persevering against bullies, being brave and trying new things. Everything Lauren does in Duck Days is very relatable to all children but this story also fosters empathy in those who do not have ASD. Through Lauren readers learn how she feels things differently from other people and needs a little more time to process, how she vehemently dislikes change.

Books like Duck Days and the companion stories Slug Days and Penguin Days are important for your readers to access. It is through learning stories about people who may be different from ourselves that we learn empathy, compassion and the richness of the human experience. I love the illustrations by Rebecca Bender. There is a real lack of great, illustrated early middle grade novels by Canadian creators in the marketplace. The Bee is a big fan of illustrated novels and I struggle to find stories she will connect with that are written and illustrated by Canadian creators. 

I really hope to see this series continue. I want to read more about Lauren’s journey through life and how she and her friends will approach the challenges that come their way.