Description
Bodola is a cheerful, adventurous story that shows the dif- ficult decisions parents of children diagnosed with A.D.H.D are forced to make as their busy and spontaneous mid-graders begin to manifest their desires for independence.
Like most boys and girls, Bodola is a boy who enjoys jiv-ing, singing, playing with toys, and most of all, he loves chips and pop. He’s never been to the store by himself, and he asks Mama to please let him go today. Mama knows that Bodola gets excited by
new things and tends to forget what he is doing, but she wants him to learn about the responsibility that comes with being independent. While on his way to the store, he embarks on an adventure of riding a train and then a bus, and is delighted by
the sights he sees along the way. Mama attempts desperately to catch up to her son before he realizes that he didn’t do what Mama told him to do and panics. Bodola is crafted by an experienced parent with the intention
of optimizing the reading experience and enabling its audience to obtain a fuller comprehension of A.D.H.D and associated theories of the mind, which will in turn empower its readers to self-regulate
the development of deleterious behaviours.
Admin
Tara Stephen (teacher). says
“Christopher A. Chaplin has filled a niche for the parents, siblings, teachers, caregivers and classmates of special needs children. It was a joy to stumble onto picture books that clearly explain and creatively illustrate the perspective of parent and child. The world of autism, ADHD and other diagnoses can challenge and baffle those who come in contact with them each day. Chaplin’s stories are written in such a way as to allow the reader to gently enter this unique world. They are a comfortable read-aloud with plenty of opportunity for discussion at the level of the listener. Sharing from his own experiences, Chaplin’s books are an invaluable educational tool for families and teachers trying to understand the difficulties these precious little ones may encounter in a seemingly ordinary daily routine. Every school, daycare and doctors office should have copies as a gentle way to inform and educate adults, and to sensitively answer the questions of children.”
Tara Stephen
-Literacy Co-ordinator & Elementary Teacher with Toronto District School Board -President of Centennial Child Care Centre Board of Directors – Mother of three
Admin
: Reviewed by Dr. Bob Rich
This beautifully illustrated book automatically attracts the attention to little children. The story line is inherently entertaining for them, and will get frequent chuckles from the adult reading it for the small child. However, this is far more than the usual kids’ picture book. Without ever lecturing, it provides a model for how to treat a child who is not (or not yet) capable of exercising self-discipline and restraint. When the rather oddly named little boy Bodola causes his mother endless worry and inconvenience, she reacts without anger or abuse, but rather corrects the situation and uses gentle corrective action to teach her son the lesson he needs. Patience and love are used instead of harsh discipline.I have no criticism of this lovely little addition to any home library.
Admin
Reviewed by: Jody Felske (Teacher) Bodola is a fun and cheery story that illustrates some of the difficulties that a mother and her child that has attention deficits and compulsive behaviours face. Bodola wants more than anything to go to the store on his own like his peers do, and when his mother finally allows this, a possibly dangerous adventure ensues. The author captures Bodola’s mother’s anxiety in dealing with the situation, and offers a solution to the problem as well. Once again, the author/art director, along with illustrator Teodora Sirko, has come up with rich illustrations with which children and parents can extrapolate. The ending of this story leaves the reader wondering what adventures Bodola might find himself partaking in next, as surely will be found in Chaplin’s future books.
Jody Felske Intermediate Teacher (Toronto District School
Admin
Reviewed by: Frances Savella Honours BSc, BEd, Specialist in Special Education Teacher Toronto District School BoardBodola: Chips & Pop is a creatively written and illustrated story of a boy with ADHD/ Autism who embarks on an adventure of independence to buy his favorite snack; chips and pop. This beautifully crafted story captures the essence of what many children with ADHD experience; navigating through a world saturated with sounds, sights, smells, tastes and textures while concurrently dealing with preoccupations and preservations that can hold a child with ADHD prisoner. This inspiring story appeals to adults and children alike and teaches very important lessons of tolerance, acceptance and determination. Bodola: Chips and Pop clearly shows that with understanding and perseverance, we can all overcome our weaknesses.
Admin
Joey Anthony Perreault (Boy, 9 Years Old, ADHD). says “
I think that your book was great! I have ADHD so it is hard for me to remember stuff like that im exited all the time I love reading and I love your book and I thank you for sending your book to me and my mom thank you bye.”
Admin
A.LaRocque-Rooney ECE, CYW, DSW. says
This is the story of Bodola, who finds himself on an adventure filled with bright images of the world. This book, like others from the author, is well written with captivating illustrations. Parents will find many topics of conversation to explore with their child, and many lessons to share.