The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp

Most children would say that the ocean is blue, but when Bowen looks at it he sees white where the waves crash, deep black on the ocean floor, and green when there’s a storm. He wonders whether fireflies are hot, and notices how the brushstrokes of a painting tell a story too. Bowen sees the world differently to other children and struggles to fit in. How will he find his place in the world? The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp follows the life of Bowen through school and beyond. At every stage, he finds that he doesn’t fit in with his peers, but this eventually becomes his greatest strength. Through thinking differently, he is able to solve problems that no one else could. After all, just because something can’t be mended the same as it was, why can’t it be mended differently? A very personal story, Bowen’s tale is sensitively written and full of colourful, lively illustrations. It aims to offer hope to children who haven’t yet found their place in life by showing them that being ‘normal’ might just be overrated, and that to find success in life we should be valuing our differences. Children, carers, teachers and psychologists alike will find inspiration in this tale of embracing diversity and engaging our full potential. It is a vital reminder that the strength and uniqueness of every child should be encouraged to help them find their place in the world and flourish!

About the Author :
Paul Russell is a primary teacher, artist, playwright and children’s author. He has been in classrooms for over 30 years, and all of his heroes are teachers. He is passionate about children’s literacy and building young appetites for the written word. Nicky Johnston is an educator, speaker, and author/illustrator of children’s books. She visits schools and presents at workshops and conferences, sharing her journey, promoting emotional resilience and raising awareness of mental health issues.

Review :
“this book offers a gentle look at neurodiversity and, eventually, finding one’s place in the world. It’s about accepting that everyone is unique and that standing apart from whatever is considered ‘normal’ has its own rewards.” “This new book is definitely part of my recommended reading for families going through an Autism diagnosis, or having trouble with understanding their child’s neurological differences. It is a staple in every classroom too, to decrease stigma associated with children who don’t fit a ‘mould.’.” “A very inquisitive boy grows up asking lots of curious questions and finally finds his place in the world. Engaging illustrations follow his progress” “Embraces neurological diversity and the importance of finding your place in the world rather than confirming” “Created from the personal experience of both writer and illustrator, this magical book is designed to encourage a deeper understanding and awareness … about the different neurological pathways in the brains of children. Stunning in every way”. “The teachers’ notes offer great insight into the story behind this story and suggest how we can put ourselves into Bowen’s shoes by putting ourselves into one of the situations he finds himself him and using a variety of thinking tools such as De Bono’s Six Hats to gain a new perspective. Instead of paying lip-service to diversity we can experience it and develop greater understanding and empathy.” A picture book about seeing the world differently. The story is a great example of neurodiversity and what different ways of seeing the world can contribute to us all as a society. This is a good book with gentle humour, detailed illustrations, and the invitation for us all to appreciate the details, and think more deeply about questions and issues that surround us. “New book invites readers to see world the way ‘square peg’ kids do “ “The story can give carers, teachers and psychologists inspiration to embrace diversity and engage everyone’s full potential. It also shows that every child is unique and we should encourage them to find their place and flourish in our world” “New book invites readers to see world the way ‘square peg’ kids do" “We can always depend on EK Books to bring us the books that celebrate differences and provide insight for young readers on a wide range of topics and as usual, I highly recommend this delightful book to you for readers from around 5 years upwards.” Many children and adults will see themselves in this book, especially those who think outside the norm and find it hard to see themselves in others around them. This sensitively written book celebrates difference, uniqueness, diversity and encourages children to be curious and question what we think we know and take the time to really ‘see’ “This is a special book about the power of thinking in unique ways, perfect for the upcoming individual thinkers in the world” “a gentle story of self-acceptance” “a celebration of a child’s boundless imagination and the wonder that comes with embracing one’s inner world.” “If you live with or teach a child who is wired differently or who has been identified as ND this beautiful picture book may be a delight to read. Written by Paul Russell and illustrated in a gorgeous realistic way by Nicky Johnson it explores what happens in Bowen's mind when he explores the world. I love the message the book gives adults about being curious in neuro affirming ways and how that can help kids find their unique strengths” “The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp is the loveliest picture book by Paul Russell and Nicky Johnston. It sounded good before I had it here to read, but it’s miles better in every way now that I have read it.”  “thinking differently can be a big advantage.”  “creates a safe space in which to probe the concepts of diversity and potential.”  “The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp does a great job of recognising children who see the world differently.” This is a fantastic resource for parents and teachers to share with children and show that there is more than one way of viewing the world. Seeing the world differently is to be celebrated. For children who think differently like Bowen the book will be reassuring, and for all children it will encourage them to exercise their minds, be inquisitive, and see things from new perspectives. Adults and children will have fun thinking of wild and imaginative answers to Bowen’s way-out questions. I loved the way The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bartholomew Crisp is told in first person. We get to know Bowen and how he thinks. He ponders questions given him seriously, but like any child also wonders about the weird and wonderful world around him. Beautifully illustrated in coloured pencil, Bowen’s story is perfect to kick off discussion about differences, empathy, understanding and acceptance of others around you. Gorgeous! “As Bowen grows, he finds that his unique way of understanding the world can be a gift to others.” “This beautifully rendered story is essential reading for .. all the Bowens out there who can feel empowered, finally, for others to hear their story” "A picture book about seeing the world differently. The story is a great example of neurodiversity and what different ways of seeing the world can contribute to us all as a society. This is a good book with gentle humour, detailed illustrations, and the invitation for us all to appreciate the details, and think more deeply about questions and issues that surround us. "