{"title":"Abigail Balfe","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the enchanting world of Abigail Balfe, a celebrated author of children's books who has a unique knack for capturing the hearts and minds of young readers. With her distinct storytelling style, Abigail Balfe explores themes of identity, growing up, and the challenges and joys of childhood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of her much-loved works, \u003cem\u003eA Different Sort of Normal\u003c\/em\u003e, delves into the diverse experiences of growing up with its heartwarming narrative and relatable characters. It beautifully highlights how our differences truly make us special, offering young readers a comforting and empowering perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnother delightful read, \u003cem\u003eThis Is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson\u003c\/em\u003e, showcases Balfe's flair for humour and adventure. This engaging story immerses children in the life of Izzy Dobson, a character grappling with the everyday excitements and trials of adolescence, making it a perfect pick for young readers seeking both entertainment and insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether your child is an avid reader or just starting their literary journey, Abigail Balfe's books are sure to captivate and inspire. Dive into her collection to experience tales that are equal parts fun, educational, and heartwarming.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"a-different-sort-of-normal-by-abigail-balfe-9780241508794","title":"A Different Sort of Normal","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beautiful, and beautifully illustrated, true story of one girl's journey growing up autistic, and the challenges of navigating the 'normal' world around her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI'm not like the other children in my class . . . and that's an actual scientific FACT.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHi! My name is Abigail and I'm autistic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut when I was a child I didn't know I was autistic. In fact, it wasn't until I was in my thirties that I discovered my neurodivergence and my life finally started to make sense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book follows my journey of self-discovery from childhood through adulthood, as I attempt to navigate the confusing world around me—a world predominantly built for neurotypical brains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book you'll find:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVERY IMPORTANT FACTS\u003c\/strong\u003e about neurodiversity, neurodivergence, autistic traits, autism and gender, sensory sensitivities, social communication, emotions, friendships, bullying, sensory overload, meltdowns, family, school, special interests, masking, puberty, AND MORE.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVERY PERSONAL STORIES\u003c\/strong\u003e involving toilets, cats, poo, swimming pools, my ridiculous family, my slightly unusual way of trying to make friends, falling up the French stairs wearing a skirt, getting locked in a cinema overnight, and MORE embarrassing (and often hilarious) moments like these...\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePLUS TIPS\u003c\/strong\u003e for supporting the neurodivergent people in your life, advocating for your own needs as a neurodivergent person, and learning to embrace what makes you different.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's for children. It's for adults. It's for neurodivergent people. It's for neurotypical people. It's for parents, carers, siblings, teachers, librarians, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses—and everyone else too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBasically—it's for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEXTRA IMPORTANT AND LITTLE KNOWN FACT\u003c\/strong\u003e — \u003cem\u003eA Different Sort of Normal\u003c\/em\u003e is also indirectly a story about growing up as an auDHD person—because nearly a year after this book was published, I received my ADHD diagnosis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46224812998892,"sku":"9780241508794","price":23.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241508794.jpg?v=1740696349"},{"product_id":"this-is-not-the-diary-of-izzy-dobson-by-ab-9780241574539","title":"This Is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe illustrated fiction debut from Abigail Balfe, author of \u003ci\u003eA Different Sort of Normal\u003c\/i\u003e, about a neurodivergent preteen girl navigating school life and finding friendship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eIzzy Dobson\u003c\/i\u003e has a few problems:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSchool is the WORST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMaking friends is HARD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHer VERY TOP SECRET EMBARRASSING DIARY has gone MISSING!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCue Izzy's Very Important Investigation, recorded in this Very Normal Notebook (definitely NOT another diary!). Can Izzy retrace her steps before the diary falls into the wrong hands? Or has its fate already been sealed by a SINISTER DIARY THIEF?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExpect cat doodles, brilliant (ish) brainwaves, and Izzy's hilarious commentary on life as you join her chaotic search - not just for the missing diary, but for her place in this Very Confusing World.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA laugh-out-loud, big-hearted new fiction series by acclaimed author-illustrator Abigail Balfe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47269604294892,"sku":"9780241574539","price":21.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/efd291b8a34fb2437a75a0ca652b46aa.jpg?v=1769985601"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/abigail-balfe.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}