Mikey Can't Help It!

Mama Bulldog Book

Children - Social Issues
34 Pages
Reviewed on 02/26/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Tracey Lyons Tozier brings readers a heartwarming tale with this children's picture book featuring lively illustrations by Jenifer Novak Landers. Mikey Can't Help It! follows a young puppy named Mikey who isn't like his siblings, Fiona and Benny. He acts differently and often memorizes and repeats every word he sees on TV or even what the rest of the family would say. Sometimes, Mikey would flap his paws and throw a tantrum out of nowhere. Other times, he would hug strangers. When their parents take Mikey to a specialist named Dr. Ann Maree, she diagnoses Mikey with autism, and she teaches the family how to take care of Mikey and treat him in a way he can understand. Will Fiona and Benny learn to take care of their little brother?

Children with special needs have unique behavioral patterns, and family members must understand how to attend to their needs. This message is beautifully woven into this uplifting tale of an adorable puppy -- Mikey Can't Help It! Tracey Lyons Tozier layers the narrative with humor and drama to engage readers and ensure they realize the importance of patience, understanding, and kindness when around classmates or family members on the autism spectrum. The illustrations by Jenifer Novak Landers splash color onto the pages and make the characters shine. I was particularly impressed with the facial expressions of the characters. Mikey, Fiona, and Benny feel like real siblings, and I found their dynamic really charming. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to children and their parents alike!