Little Jack Thomson’s
Magnificent Brain
An uplifting picture book for 5-8 year olds about life and following one’s dreams.
An uplifting story of personal triumph. Join Jack as he learns that his learning disabilities cannot stop him from being Magnificent!
After learning about how some of histories greatest minds also had learning difficulties, Jack Thomson, who dreams of flying rockets to Neptune and building trains between planets, realizes that he, too can become whatever he wants to be.
In addition to learning about Jack and his dreams for the future, children will find out how Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and Agatha Christie didn’t let their learning disabilities stand in their way of achieving great things. A wonderful book for helping children to realize their potential and increase their self esteem.
Here’s a brief look inside:
Little Jack Thomson’s
Magnificent Brain Coloring Book
Get your copy of this galactic coloring book with added imaginative activities to help your child think outside the box!
Invent your own space train!
Design your own planet!
And help Jack color his world Magnificent!
Lesson Plans
Little Jack Thomson’s Magnificent Brain.
Little Jack Thomson’s Magnificent Brain is an uplifting story which teaches children how to overcome obstacles and learn to believe in themselves. In this lesson plan children will learn about some historical figures who also had learning disabilities, discuss what challenges Jack faces in the story, and think about what they can do to overcome things that they find difficult. Children are asked to use their theory of mind skills to think about how their classmates feel and to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
You’ll find pre and post reading questions, explanations, and discussion ideas along with a writing and an art activity. Great for children ages 5-8 and suitable for special education classrooms.
These lesson plans are FREE. You can download them by clicking on the lesson plan picture on the right or by clicking on this text. There is no log in required. If you would prefer to have it sent as a pdf per email, please contact me at kelley.donner@gmail.com
Jack has autism*
The character Jack in Little Jack Thomson’s Magnificent Brain is autistic and dyslexic. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological condition that can cause one to become overwhelmed by sensation. Many children with autism find connecting socially with peers difficult and often withdraw into a world of their creation. I have intentionally not used the words “autistic” or “dyslexic” in the story because it is not central to Jack’s character but have used instead subtle references. For many parents of autistic children school is a constant struggle. Nevertheless, it is Jack’s brilliant ideas and his imagination who make him who he is, not his diagnosis. Jack’s mother believes in him and many parents will relate to her determination to show her child just how magnificent he really is in spite of all of the challenges that he faces day to day.
Unfortunately, there are very few children’s books on the market today with autistic characters and still many misconceptions about what it means to be autistic. Autism is not an illness, it is a different way of thinking and our world is better off because of the many wonderful contributions made by people with autism. If you would like to know more about autism, the National Autistic Society has a lot of valuable information and aims to increase understanding and awareness of Autism and ensure that people with autism live the lives they choose.
*has autism, or autistic: I prefer to say Jack is autistic, because I know Jack. I wrote his character and Jack believes that autism is a part of who he is. Nevertheless, I realize that the industry prefers “has autism” and I have to respect that as well. Therefore, please forgive me, if I sometimes use one, and sometimes the other. This is a very controversial topic, and it seems impossible to keep everyone happy.
The Creative Process
The images for Little Jack Thomson’s Magnificent Brain have been created by using a combination of linocuts and watercolor. Before I can paint, I need a print and before I can print, I need a drawing. The storyboard is the most creative place in illustration. It is where all of the words and pictures finally come together and become something meaningful. This is a picture of the beginning storyboard process and where Jack begins his journey.
Thank you!
Thank you for supporting A Little Donnerwetter Books. Together we can help to make the world a better place for all children.
