AustLit

'Waiting for Hugo by Amanda Niland is a book that explores notions of diversity and difference through a story suitable for 3 to 7 year olds. The central character is a young boy who has an obsessive interest which dominates his life and that of his family. This is a trait often present in children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The story is narrated by Hugo’s older sibling, who grapples with acceptance of her brother’s eccentricity. Hugo’s obsession and consequent skill with numbers brings rewards for him and his sister, so that the story ends positively, celebrating Hugo’s unique abilities.' (Publication summary)

'Have you ever wanted to see a dinosaur? Not just a skeleton in a museum, but a real live HUGE dinosaur? It would certainly be exciting, but maybe dinosaurs are better left to our imaginations.

'On a trip to the zoo our narrator imagines how great it would be if there were dinosaurs there. He is all set to petition the zoo when he begins to wonder if the zoo really could contain the dinosaurs and what would happen if they got out.' (Publication summary)