The Pet Rescuers – Pete and the Gecko Getaway by author Julie Day is a cleverly crafted, idiosyncratic tale about an autistic boy who is passionate about two things in life – computers and his pet gecko, Gordon! When Gordon makes a ‘getaway’ in the depths of winter, Pete’s friends, who together form the Pet Rescuers, must galvanise into action to quickly find him.
Author Julie Day, who has Asperger’s, writes a compelling story which not only cleverly captures the ‘voices’ and behaviours of autistic children (and adults), but also educates her readers in a non patronising way. Whilst sending a poignant message to children with autism, this story will undoubtedly captivate all children (and their grownups too)!
For these reasons, I award 5 stars.
By Jane Clack
