My enormous thanks to Natasha Finn at DK Books for sending me a copy of children’s book Wonderfully Wired Brains by Louise Gooding and illustrated by Ruth Burrows in return for an honest review. With my niece only diagnosed with autism in her late 30s, it feels very special to me to share my review of Wonderfully Wired Brains today.

Published by DK Books on 4th May 2023, Wonderfully Wired Brains is available for purchase through the links here.

Wonderfully Wired Brains

An informative and inclusive children’s guide to neurodiversity for those not in the know and to inspire children who are neurodivergent.

Our brains are unique in the way they function, work, and think. Neurodiversity is still a relatively ‘new’ concept that can be tricky to understand, but this book is here to help! This inspirational book written by neurodiverse author Louise Gooding challenges misconceptions and shows how neurodivergent brains work a little differently.

It is common for neurodiverse people and those with neurological differences to feel as though they don’t fit in, but their extraordinary differences should be embraced. Wonderfully Wired Brains teaches children aged 7-9 all about the awesome abilities that neurodiverse individuals have, introduces them to advocates who are challenging neurodiversity stereotypes, and most importantly gives them a safe space to feel accepted.

This informative and educational book for children features:

– Accurate, understandable explanations of diagnoses that impact the brain, including each area of neurodiversity and what it can or does mean for anyone with that particular neurological difference.
– A positive, friendly look at neurodiverse brains that debunks myths and stereotypes.
– Informative, inclusive text is accompanied by colourful, modern illustrations.

The font and colours used have been selected to accommodate a range of neurodiverse readers. Combining neurodiverse experiences with science, history, and brain-bursting facts, Wonderfully Wired Brains has something for everyone!

Whether your child is neurodiverse or not, this book will inspire inquisitive young readers and show them that no two brains function in the same way and that everyone’s differences should be celebrated. There really is no other book like it.

My Review of Wonderfully Wired Brains

A children’s book about neurodiversity.

It was quite tricky to review Wonderfully Wired Brains as it took considerable effort to prise it from my husband’s hands! He’s in his mid sixties with a Ph.D in Chemistry and he loved this book! 

As with so many DK books, I simply want to repeat the book’s description as it sums up perfectly what a fabulous book Wonderfully Wired Brains is. In keeping with other DK books this one has all the physical properties and qualities one expects. There is a vibrant, robust and superb quality cover that encases a non-fiction book jam packed with information that makes Wonderfully Wired Brains perfect for home, school or other institution use.

The illustrations in Wonderfully Wired Brains actually made me cheer aloud! The children represented are as physically diverse as the brains being written about with children in wheelchairs, wearing glasses, with different coloured skin and hair and so on, so that the book feels inclusive before a word is read.

There’s a lovely personal introduction by Louise Gooding which means that children (and the adults around them) have an instant connection and feel they are not alone in their own neurodiversity. Indeed, brain difference is seen as absolutely normal whether that’s through a leech’s many brains through bi-polar brains to the fabulous artistry of Stephen Wiltshire.

The range of information in Wonderfully Wired Brains is astonishing so that every reader, regardless of age or their own unique brain, will find something of interest here. Just the two succinct pages on Brain Care would make us all happier and healthier if we followed them.

I think Wonderfully Wired Brains is fantastic at exploring neurodiversity but equally it has so many other uses too. The book can be used to model research practices with a glossary and index perfect for literacy lessons. The Brilliant brains in history or the Wonderfully wired people could lead to all kinds of projects, from oral presentations to the use of the Internet for example. This really is an educational book of the highest quality.

However, the most powerful aspect of Wonderfully Wired Brains is its humanity and inclusion. Written and illustrated with celebratory sensitivity whilst not shying away from issues such as tics, anxiety and depression that can affect neurodivergent people in particular, Wonderfully Wired Brains is completely brilliant. Every home, hospital, children’s group and classroom should have one. I thought it was sensational and only wish my family had had access to it years ago. 

About Louise Gooding

Louise Gooding is a British children’s author living in Switzerland with her family.

Louise has a keen interest in sharing stories that feature characters that stand out, are different and who have something to say.

Inspired by stories from her own experiences and within her family, she took up writing to find a way of discussing neurological and physical diversity, and how to explore other sensitive issues within children’s books.

Louise a member of SCBWI, an Inclusive Minds ambassador and leads The Writers and Illustrators of Zurich.

In her spare time Louise enjoys reading, painting, photography, spending time with her family and her work as a Book Fairy.

For more information, visit Louise’s website and follow her on Twitter @OnceUponaLouise. You’ll also find Louise on Facebook and Instagram.

About Ruth Burrows

Ruth Burrows has always loved drawing, painting and making, as a child she also loved entertaining and always took a lead part in the school play. Ruth’s two main passions eventually came together when she studied Theatre Design at Nottingham Trent University.

Ruth currently works full time as an illustrator from her open studio and art shop in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, where you are welcome to drop by and say hello!

For further information visit Ruth’s website, follow her on Twitter @RuthBBurrows, or find her on Facebook and Instagram.