The Boy Who Loves to Lick the Wind

A little boy watches the child next door and wonders why he is poking his tongue out. [He is] ‘licking the wind’ says his mother and invites the little boy to join them on a trip to the seaside where all the best winds are.

The boy next door flaps and rocks and doesn’t talk. We watch as his mother helps him navigate the world – coping with excess noise by wearing ear protectors, hating the grains of sand in his sandwiches and having to leave the beach, his favourite place, at the end of the day. Despite their differences his young neighbour manages to make a connection with him, they throw stones and splash in the sea together and share the pleasure of licking the wind.

Back at school the little boy tells the story of his day at the beach and soon the whole class want to lick the wind too.

A simple, beautifully illustrated day in the life story which may help young children understand peers or family members with autism, the difficulties they face and their unique way of seeing and appreciating the world.