Lily and Myles are inseparable not just because they have fun as companions but because Myles is Lily’s assistance dog which means he can keep Lily calm when things get scary or difficult.
With Myles beside her, Lily, who has autism, can explore dark caves that would otherwise frighten her or manage a soundscape that could be overwhelming.
When Lily finds a torch that she can shine in dark places she sets off to explore new places on her own. That’s exciting but she quickly finds out that she still needs Myles right by her side as well! Lily’s way of seeing the world is thoughtfully told in the story and beautifully captured in the illustrations.
Accompanied by Myles, her assistance dog, Lily sets off from Granny’s house to explore. First she walks through the garden, then she visits the seashore.
But when she comes to the big cave at the end of the beach her acute hearing means she is scared of the loud noise when she drops her torch. And what’s that creature she can hear coming towards her?...
‘This lovely little book will help many children have some understanding of autism, which is a very complicated condition affecting a lot of children and adults in many different ways.’ Peter Purves, television presenter and actor
‘To see the joy, calmness, and support a welltrained dog can bring to children and people with autism constantly warms my heart.’ Stephen Brooker, conductor, musical supervisor, and ambassador for Dogs for Autism
‘An excellent choice for parents, teachers and caregivers seeking an enjoyable and educational tool to teach children about autism and assistance dogs.’ Hazel Lim, multilingual autism specialist