Overview

Iris Grace is a beautiful little girl who, from a very young age, barely communicated, avoided social interaction with other people, and rarely smiled. From both before her diagnosis of autism and after, she seemed trapped in her own world, unable to connect with those around her. One day, her mother brought home a Maine Coon kitten for Iris, even though cats aren't typically thought of as therapy pets. Thula, named after one of Iris's favorite African lullabies and meaning peace in Zulu, immediately bonded with Iris. Thula knew right away how to assuage Iris when she became overstimulated; when to intervene when Iris became overwhelmed; and how to provide distraction when Iris started heading toward a meltdown. Whether exploring, playing, sleeping, or taking a bath with Iris or accompanying the family on a bike ride, Thula became so much more than a therapy cat. With Thula's safe companionship, Iris began to talk and interact with her family. This heartwarming story is illustrated with sixty of Iris's gorgeous impressionistic paintings, works of art that have allowed her to express herself since the age of three. A gifted artist, Iris sees the natural world in a profoundly vivid and visceral way. With Thula by her side, she'll sit and paint for hours, and the results are stunning. Inspiring and touching, Iris Grace follows the struggles and triumphs of a family--and a miracle cat--as they learn to connect with an amazing child.

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9781510719781

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Reviews

Iris's astonishing tale of talent and her relationship with Thula is lovingly told. --Daily Mail Astonishing, remarkable. --ITV News A miracle. --Best An astonishing talent. --Daily Express Iris' story, as told and photographed by her mother, beautifully deciphers the way a child with autism sees and approaches the world, with a deft touch that makes for compelling reading. --Booklist (starred) .. .This is one of the best written books I've ever read (I'm a writer and I've written 20+ books of my own and I can't imagine having such a great narrative skill). It's a joy to read. Iris Grace is a fascinating and brilliantly talented little girl that you will never forget. And once you read this book you will never look at autism again the same way. Hollywood, start your engines. I simply can't think of a better summer read. --Jeff Wignall, author of The Photographer's Master Guide to Color Iris's astonishing tale of talent and her relationship with Thula is lovingly told. Daily Mail Astonishing, remarkable. ITV News A miracle. Best An astonishing talent. Daily Express

Iris's astonishing tale of talent and her relationship with Thula is lovingly told. --Daily Mail Astonishing, remarkable. --ITV News A miracle. --Best An astonishing talent. --Daily Express Iris' story, as told and photographed by her mother, beautifully deciphers the way a child with autism sees and approaches the world, with a deft touch that makes for compelling reading. --Booklist (starred)

Iris's astonishing tale of talent and her relationship with Thula is lovingly told. <i>Daily Mail</i> Astonishing, remarkable. ITV News A miracle. <i>Best </i> An astonishing talent. <i>Daily Express</i>

Iris's astonishing tale of talent and her relationship with Thula is lovingly told. --<i>Daily Mail</i> Astonishing, remarkable. --ITV News A miracle. --<i>Best </i> An astonishing talent. --<i>Daily Express</i> Iris' story, as told and photographed by her mother, beautifully deciphers the way a child with autism sees and approaches the world, with a deft touch that makes for compelling reading. --<i>Booklist</i>(starred)

Author Information

Arabella Carter-Johnson is Iris Grace's mother and a professional photographer whose work ranges from family portraits and landscapes to wedding photography. She has documented her daughter's life through diary entries and photographs and this book. She resides in the United Kingdom.

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