A Manual for Marco
Author: Shaila Abdullah
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Date Published: February 1, 2015
Book Description:
Living, Learning, and Laughing With an Autistic Sibling
Why does he act that way?
Pages from the diary of an eight-year old girl who decides to make a list of all the things she likes and dislikes about dealing with her autistic brother, and in doing so realizes that she has created A Manual for Marco.
About the Author
Shaila Abdullah is an award-winning author and designer based in Austin, Texas. She has written five books: Saffron Dreams, Beyond the Cayenne Wall, My Friend Suhana, Rani in Search of a Rainbow, and A Manual for Marco. The author has received several awards for her work including the Golden Quill Award and Patras Bukhari Award for English Language. Several academic institutions have adopted her books as course study or recommended reading, including the University of California, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Indiana University, Boston University, California State University, and George Washington University.
Author: Shaila Abdullah
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Date Published: February 1, 2015
Book Description:
Living, Learning, and Laughing With an Autistic Sibling
Why does he act that way?
Pages from the diary of an eight-year old girl who decides to make a list of all the things she likes and dislikes about dealing with her autistic brother, and in doing so realizes that she has created A Manual for Marco.
Buy Links:
GUEST POST
The Art Behind A Manual for Marco
By Shaila Abdullah
Being a veteran graphic and web designer, I
was excited when I landed a 3-book children’s book contract with Loving Healing
Press with complete control over the visuals of each book. What I didn’t
calculate was what a tall task it is to deliver all three within a year.
Clearly when I signed the deal and made the commitment, I didn’t factor in
having a tween with a long list of school events and extracurricular activities
and another child being 2 at the time. While frantically trying to complete the
designs for books 1 and 2, I was hit with a splendid idea to tackle the art for
the third book.
Due to a genetic link of sorts, many of my
nieces, and my own daughters are artistically inclined. I decided to enlist the
help of my 12-year-old niece, Iman in Calgary to develop the sketches for A Manual for Marco. Another niece in
Houston––Sophia, who was 9 at the time took over the task of developing some
geometric and organic background patterns. My own 10-year-old daughter Aanyah
took a stab at creating some of her own background art. Not to be left behind,
I handed some paint and halved onions and potatoes to my two-year-old daughter
Aaliyana who developed some of her own visual conquests.
Now the challenge was to put them all together.
Using Photoshop I scanned in the sketches and filled in colors. Next I brought in
various pieces of background patterns and positioned them behind the
characters. The result was something even I had not imagined. The art came
alive and so did the talent of these gifted young girls. The book’s art is currently
being widely recognized and praised.
“Through
her genuine, caring accounts about growing up with an older, autistic brother,
this eight-year-old also shows her love for her sibling who is special but
sometimes does things that are not-so-special. I highly recommend this book
written with sensitivity and beautifully illustrated.”
–Lorna d’Entremont, Special Needs Book Review
–Lorna d’Entremont, Special Needs Book Review
“A Manual for Marco is a ‘must read’ for families or friends of
an autistic child. Abdullah’s writing is clear, warm, and accessible. Even the
youngest readers will be able to understand autism. Abdullah has the ability to
show love under the worst circumstances, even when Marco’s sister realizes her
treasures are probably in the toilet. The illustrations are delightful. A
Manual for Marco is perfect for younger
elementary students.”
–Gwendolyn Hooks, author of 17 books for young readers
–Gwendolyn Hooks, author of 17 books for young readers
Shaila Abdullah is an award-winning author and designer based in Austin, Texas. She has written five books: Saffron Dreams, Beyond the Cayenne Wall, My Friend Suhana, Rani in Search of a Rainbow, and A Manual for Marco. The author has received several awards for her work including the Golden Quill Award and Patras Bukhari Award for English Language. Several academic institutions have adopted her books as course study or recommended reading, including the University of California, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Indiana University, Boston University, California State University, and George Washington University.
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