Solomon Sparks is a heartwarming children’s picture book celebrating autism, neurodiversity, family, individuality, and the unique ways children experience the world. Meet Solomon Sparks, a seven-and-a-half-year-old autistic boy who loves math, geometry, dinosaurs, reading, puzzles, and his service dog, Beau. Solomon has a special way of looking at the world. He notices details others may miss, finds comfort in routines and familiar experiences, and takes great joy in the subjects and activities that capture his imagination.
Through Solomon's everyday experiences, young readers discover that autism is not simply about challenges—it is also about unique interests, perspectives, strengths, connections, and ways of understanding the world. Solomon enjoys arranging his dinosaur fossils and figurines by color and texture, solving Sudoku puzzles, reading, and thinking deeply about math and dinosaurs. He has favorite sounds, foods, clothing, routines, and sensory experiences that help make his world feel comfortable and predictable.
At times, unexpected changes or sensory experiences can make things difficult for Solomon. When he is having a hard day, he may cry or scream, and he has learned that counting to twenty and giving fist-bumps can help him feel better. His story offers families and young readers an opportunity to explore sensory needs, emotional regulation, communication, routines, and the importance of understanding each child's individual ways of experiencing the world.
Solomon Sparks offers families, educators, caregivers, librarians, and young readers an accessible introduction to autism and neurodiversity while opening the door to conversations about acceptance, inclusion, individuality, empathy, and belonging. Created as part of The Spectrum Series Books, Solomon Sparks celebrates autistic children by highlighting their unique interests, perspectives, strengths, and relationships. The story reminds readers that getting to know someone's world can be one of the most meaningful ways to build understanding and connection.
With colorful illustrations by Mimi Zeigler, Solomon's world comes to life as readers follow his love of dinosaurs, math, books, family, and his beloved service dog, Beau. Solomon Sparks is an ideal addition to homes, classrooms, school libraries, autism and special education collections, and family libraries looking for inclusive children's books that celebrate autism and neurodiversity.