Title: Rainbows and Sunshine
Written and Illustrated by Melinda Wong (the person behind Messyvoices Studio)
Synopsis: A (true) story about a lil girl who is autistic, her views on her surroundings, her communication with people and quirks. This story shows some of the behaviours and habits of people on the spectrum especially easily identified during young.
This is a true story based on my beloved niece, a spirited soul. Amanda sees the world differently, where the boring and ordinary become extraordinary. Her adventurous nature and laughter remind us of the simple joys that often elude our grasp.
Beneath her normal appearance lies a narrative of challenges and obstacles. Born with early signs of autism, I have witnessed her journey of growing up from moments of triumph to tears of frustration. Her existence has taught me the true meaning of empathy, patience, and love. While I am not an expert in neurodivergence or children on the spectrum, I write this piece based on my observations and ongoing learning about autism. My aim is to share my experiences with an autistic child, in the hope of fostering acceptance, understanding and empathy towards these unique individuals.
Illustrations from the book:
Her imagination is colourful and adventurous
Intropage
Tiptoeing on colours
Amanda's fascination with coloured objects such as balls.
Her love for water
Spot illustrations to accompany the story
For Amanda, for always surprising us in many ways; for Hasnan & Fatin for being the most patient parents.
Thank you for viewing!
For book purchases, do visit: www.messyvoices.com/shop
