Ready Eddie Go! Dressing Up
Ready Eddie Go! Painting
Nikki Saunders
Jessica Kingsley Publishers

In the first book, young narrator Eddie is joined at home by his two friends, Akil and Nina as they explore the contents of the dressing up box full of ready-made costumes and the materials to invent others.
Child users of this interactive book learn of Eddie’s sensory preferences and the difficulties he has when planning what he’ll wear, as well as being reassured that choosing not to dress up at all, or removing a costume when it gets uncomfortable, are also acceptable. Interwoven into the narrative are both tips to manage any challenges that might crop up such as scratchy labels (it’s not only neurodivergent people who find this unpleasant; I always remove them from jumpers etc.) and related practical ideas including finding a range of items to feel.
Once the three friends are ready, they choose to show their costumes to friends and family

and the book ends with a recap on the whole dressing up experience.
Well presented and relatable to neurodivergent youngsters, this is a very useful book.

So too in the same series is Painting. This one has a school setting and introduces children to messy play activities. Again the possibility of having an itchy label arises when the friends put on their aprons. Coming up with ideas can also be a challenge, as can dropping paint in an unintended place,

and having messy hands.
There are helpful strategies including list making to help with planning and organising, and it’s particularly good to see making ‘mistakes’ presented as normal: for any child mistakes are a vital part of the learning process Another confidence building book.