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Why Johnny Doesn't Flap: NT is OK! Hardcover – Picture Book, October 21, 2015

by Clay Morton (Author), Gail Morton (Author), Alex Merry (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 180 ratings
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Johnny is different. He is never exactly on time, he can't seem to stick to a routine and he often speaks in cryptic idioms. Johnny is neurotypical, but that's OK.

A picture book with a difference, Why Johnny Doesn't Flap turns the tables on common depictions of neurological difference by drolly revealing how people who are not on the autistic spectrum are perceived by those who are. The autistic narrator's bafflement at his neurotypical friend's quirks shows that 'normal' is simply a matter of perspective.

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  1. Reading age
    4 - 8 years
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    2 - Preschool
  5. Dimensions
    8.43 x 0.31 x 8.43 inches
  6. Publisher
    Jessica Kingsley Publishers
  7. Publication date
    October 21, 2015
  8. ISBN-10
    1849057214
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1849057219
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3—Books about disability are often told from the point of view of those without disabilities. By turning this traditional framing and structure on its head, the authors emphasize that differences can be subjective. The narrator, who has autism, matter-of-factly outlines the ways that his friend Johnny, who is neurotypical (NT), seems strange. For instance, Johnny looks right into people's eyes when talking to them and doesn't have meltdowns when faced with a change in schedule. Ultimately, the main character appreciates that being different isn't wrong, which helps him connect with his pal. The typed-style text and realistic, muted illustrations initially seem flat. However, considering the audience—those with autism who are learning about the behaviors of neurotypically developing peers—the design makes sense. The visuals paint the world as the protagonist sees it and are realistic in execution. The book has a minor flaw: the abbreviation of NT in the subtitle could be confusing. VERDICT It will take extra work for librarians to get this offering in the hands of the right readers, but its unique perspective and important message make it a worthwhile purchase.—Renee Grassi, Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn, IL

Review

A delightful departure from the norm, Why Johnny Doesn't Flap flips the script and models empathy, acceptance, and compassion for that oddest of neurologies, the neurotypical. This irreverent subversion is a breath of fresh air, and reminds us that there's not a right way to have a brain, and that 'normal' is in the eye of the beholder. We're better off with a dose of the Mortons' wry perspective. -- Julia Bascom, author, The Obsessive Joy of Autism

The young narrator of this charming book helps readers understand why a neurotypical peer's behavior can be so confusing. Fun illustrations support the text, providing extra opportunities for discussion exploring the differences between NT and ASD behaviors, and that's more than OK. That's super duper! -- Liane Holliday Willey, author of Pretending to be Normal, Asperger Syndrome in Adolescents, and Asperger Syndrome in the Family

A young narrator explains that his neurotypical friend is OK, even though he sometimes plays games out of order and doesn't flap his hands to express emotions. It's a neat bit of role reversal. It's really OK that Johnny arrives for playdates a few minutes late or early ("hopeless when it comes to punctuality"), that his gaze is direct, that he really doesn't seem interested in knowing everything about hydraulic forklifts, wants to play with other kids ("Maybe he's a little too obsessed with social interaction"), and never has a meltdown when there's a fire drill at school. "Mom says that everyone's brain is different, and different isn't always wrong." A closing note for parents offers further bids for acceptance: "as many as 67 in 68 children may be neurotypical. So if your child does not currently have an NT kid in their life, they almost certainly will." Merry's stripped-down, neatly drawn generic views of dewy-eyed figures with fixed, tight-lipped smiles neither give the characters any individuality nor do the premise's ingenuity much service, though they are doubtless calculated to make it easy for the book's autistic readers to decode. It looks bland at first, but it's a clever perspective changer for NT children as well as a rare chance for young readers with autism to see themselves as a point-of-view character. (Picture book. 6-8) -- Kirkus Reviews

An unnamed boy with autism describes his friend Johnny's unusual and sometimes perplexing behaviors: "Mom says it is because he is NT, or neurotypical. He doesn't have autism, so his brain works differently from mine, but that's ok." Johnny doesn't arrive precisely on time to visit, makes direct eye contact, "doesn't have a topic he knows everything about, like World War II or dinosaurs or forklifts," and "always wants to play with other kids." Merry's artwork is somewhat rudimentary (the boys' facial expressions scarcely change, even when the narrator is having a "meltdown," and there isn't much variation in the staging of the images). But the authors' subversion of expectations through the narration is effective and thought-provoking, and may well lead neurotypical readers to reconsider their own behaviors and judgments. Ages 5-9. (Oct.) -- Publishers Weekly

This is a wonderful wheeze! Johnny is neuro-typical, while the story teller is autistic. We see Johnny from his point of view, and to him, Johnny is a cause of bafflement... However, our narrator says his mum explains that everyone is different, and just because Johnny is different doesn't mean they can't be good friends. Which they are... The funny and clever thing about this approach is that the narrator seems to feel slightly superior to Johnny, and it is interesting and possibly unique in a picture book to show how autistic people look at those of us who don't share their outlook. A brilliant and highly original book with lovely warm illustrations. -- Healthy Books, healthybooks.org.uk

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 1st edition (October 21, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1849057214
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1849057219
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 - Preschool
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.43 x 0.31 x 8.43 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 180 ratings

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
180 global ratings
One of our favorites
5 Stars
One of our favorites
Autism is not a secret or a bad word. My autistic son loves this book, he thinks autism is no big deal, we talk openly about it, that there are some struggles he has that his brother doesnt, that there some things he does or remembers better than his brother.I like this book because it is the ONLY book I've ever seen of it's kind, it's written from the point of view of an unnamed autistic child who is friends with a NT child Johnny.Throughout the book he marvels at some of the "weird" or frustrating things johnny does because he is NT, but that it's okay because different isnt always bad.I've seen tons of books to talk to NT children about someone with autism, talking to an autistic about NT? This is one of a kind. Showed his BSC as well and she loved it too.
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Top reviews from the United States

Ellison Murphy
5.0 out of 5 stars Several kinds of clever
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2016
Verified Purchase
Fantastic subversion of the patronizing kids' books that, while useful in teaching NT kids about their Autistic friends, often make us feel left out. With the abundance of resources for NTs to learn us, where's the book for us to learn about them? It's right here, and it's stunning.

Not only funny and relatable but also important in numerous ways. Highly recommended for Autistic kids who are sick of a lack of resources made FOR instead of ABOUT them, as well as recommended for Autistic adults looking to laugh at a good parody that is very understanding.
7 people found this helpful
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C
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for NT’s to shift perspectives.
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
We love this book. One of my kids has ASD and the other doesn’t. There are many books to explain the “oddness” of ASD to NT kids, but this is the only one I know of that explains the “oddness” of NT to an ASD kid. And it is very well done.

But, the greatest asset, in my opinion, is reading it and realizing that NT behaviors are really just as perplexing. There is absolutely no reason to think NT makes more sense or is better. I have given it as a gift to grownups in our lives who maybe didn’t quite see that ASD is perfectly fine.

Does anyone know if there are other books like this for other neurodiversity diagnoses? I would love to see one for Down syndrome, dyslexia, ADHD... Kids (and grownups) would get great benefit from the perspective shift.
13 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Relatable
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
Our whole family finds this story relatable. It puts many of the autistic traits in a normal framework and shows some funny traits neurotypical people have (like not arriving on time). I feel this is a great book for families with autistic members. It could even be a good place for friends of autistic children to learn about autism.
2 people found this helpful
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Kate
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book!
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2017
Verified Purchase
Fantastic book! I use this book to share with family and friends who may interact often with our High Functioning Autistic daughter. It is not her exactly, but the concept is the same. Understanding we are all different, and perhaps changing the perspective from which we judge others. It is so easy to say, "she does that because she's autistic" but have we ever wondered, we do something "because we are Neurotical"? Since it is a simple story, and short - it makes a good tool or ice breaker to have conversations about what makes your ASD child unique.
3 people found this helpful
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Jennifer
5.0 out of 5 stars We love this book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2022
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I have purchased so many books for my son and this by far is my favorite. It flips the typical stories for Autistic children. This book focuses on how an Autistic child views Neurotypical children.
One person found this helpful
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Kiley K. Klinger
5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE this SO much!
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021
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This book is Amazing!!!! Told from the perspective of a child with autism who doesn't quite understand why his NT friends do and say some strange things. Sweet story of friendship. Really well written. My 8 year old son with ASD really enjoyed and connected with this book - it sparked some questions and was a great conversation starter. I also shared this book with the school district- just so SO good!
One person found this helpful
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Donna Tupper
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for ND kids!
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book is a must for any kid (or parent) with a child on the Autism Spectrum. It really explains how they look at those of us who are NT. Seeing the world from her perspective (and others on the spectrum) was enlightening. We both wish we could have gotten this book when my child was younger. The book is meant for elementary school aged kids, but I would suggest it for any parent/child on the spectrum. It is a must read.
One person found this helpful
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Rachel Patterson
5.0 out of 5 stars One of our favorites
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
Autism is not a secret or a bad word. My autistic son loves this book, he thinks autism is no big deal, we talk openly about it, that there are some struggles he has that his brother doesnt, that there some things he does or remembers better than his brother.

I like this book because it is the ONLY book I've ever seen of it's kind, it's written from the point of view of an unnamed autistic child who is friends with a NT child Johnny.

Throughout the book he marvels at some of the "weird" or frustrating things johnny does because he is NT, but that it's okay because different isnt always bad.

I've seen tons of books to talk to NT children about someone with autism, talking to an autistic about NT? This is one of a kind. Showed his BSC as well and she loved it too.
Customer image
Rachel Patterson
5.0 out of 5 stars One of our favorites
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2019
Autism is not a secret or a bad word. My autistic son loves this book, he thinks autism is no big deal, we talk openly about it, that there are some struggles he has that his brother doesnt, that there some things he does or remembers better than his brother.

I like this book because it is the ONLY book I've ever seen of it's kind, it's written from the point of view of an unnamed autistic child who is friends with a NT child Johnny.

Throughout the book he marvels at some of the "weird" or frustrating things johnny does because he is NT, but that it's okay because different isnt always bad.

I've seen tons of books to talk to NT children about someone with autism, talking to an autistic about NT? This is one of a kind. Showed his BSC as well and she loved it too.
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24 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Debora Spindula
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantástico
Reviewed in Brazil on October 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
O livro aborda o tema do autismo na visão do autista e como ele aceita a diferença do seu amigo. Ensina que devemos aceitar as pessoas como são. Indico para qualquer idade e principalmente para os adultos que carregam a mais tempo o preconceito em seus corações.
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Shelley Amber 87
5.0 out of 5 stars Inclusion and perspective
Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2021
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What a wonderful story about accepting people of different neurotypes. The first time I've seen a story book that is written from the perspective of an Autistic child dealing with NT people. I love it!
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2022
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I love it! Absolutely fantastic to see ND traits portrayed as the norm and NT traits portrayed and highlighted as traits
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Carmen U
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! It is refreshing to have the roles reversed on a book about autism and neurotypicals!
Reviewed in Mexico on April 9, 2020
Verified Purchase
I loved this book!
It is refreshing to have the common roles reversed on a book about autism and neurotypicals!
I loved it!!! Thank you so much!!!
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Jx4
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
Reviewed in Australia on January 16, 2024
Verified Purchase
Gorgeous book! I’ve been sharing it with OT, teacher/education and parent friends - we all love it! So great to have a book that celebrates difference from the point of view that ND is the norm and NT is ‘different, and that’s ok!’ Highly recommend!
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