Leo and the Octopus

“This enchanting story describes the world as perceived by an autistic child and an octopus. In some ways they both seem like aliens, and both share a talent for problem solving. As an autistic child, Leo finds it difficult to determine what someone is feeling by reading facial expressions and body language. He admires how the octopus changes colour according to mood and yearns for humans to have the simple colour code of an octopus. The story also illustrates another aspect of autism, that is, finding friendship through similar interests. The sensitive descriptions throughout the book of what it is like to have autism are accurate and perceptive on so many levels.” - Tony Atwood, leading psychologist in Asperger’s Syndrome

Isabelle started crafting stories in German and Luxembourgish at age 9 after receiving a red typewriter for her birthday. She returned to writing full-time after the birth of her first son. Isabelle writes picture books, middle grade novels, and screenplays. She is fluent in four languages, with English being her preferred language for prose. She is a member of the SCBWI and was a 2017⁄18 Children’s Literature Fellow at Stony Brook University.

Chris Nixon is a multidisciplinary artist working in illustration, graphic design, creative direction, and public art. Based in Perth, Australia, his work is inspired by the West Coast and classic surf culture, with an emphasis on the handmade and crafted. Chris uses color, texture, and pattern across various media, including children’s books, animation, commercial illustration, and large art installations.

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