The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen BartholomewCrisp by Paul Russell and illustrated by Nicky Johnston is a sensitively written story about children who have neurodivergent minds. It is a story for all children to gain an understanding and develop an appreciation for such diversity. This book gives readers an opportunity to step into the shoes, or should I say mind, of Bowen to experience his thought processes when a question is asked of him. This book explores the emotions experienced when a child feels ‘different’ and the realisation that there is sheer beauty, power and strength in thinking differently.
This story begins in a classroom when Bowen is five and the teacher asks Bowen, “what colour is the ocean”? Many students have a response within mere seconds, however Bowen’s mind lights up as he deeply ponders his response, he carefully considers the different shades that exist in the ocean, the variance in colours at the different depths and the effect algae has on the ocean’s colour. Bowen’s inquiring mind pictures so many scenarios. Sadly, no one hear any of his insightful thoughts as the teacher moves on to hear the responses of other students. Two years later the teacher asks Bowen about his thoughts. What a treat it is to read all of the intriguing, fascinating and thought-provoking ideas that swirl around in his mind. At this age, Bowen determines that “none of these things were what I was meant to be thinking about” so he chooses not to answer and the teacher asks other students to respond. The story continues with wonderful displays of Bowen’s brilliant mind, insatiable curiosity, his drive to question, test, astutely observe, analyse and appreciate the beauty in details that many others do not see.
Days for Bowen are long at school, yet at home he has the most riveting conversations with his Mum as they ask each other highly thought-provoking questions, these encapsulate the beauty and gift that is an inquiring mind.
As Bowen progresses through school he has a teacher that makes an adjustment to the way he presents one of his pieces so that he can fully and actively participate in the learning on the same basis as other students and make progress. The results are spectacular!
The story follows Bowen as he becomes older and realises that his finely developed creative problem solving skills and curiosity are a unique asset he possesses.
The lively watercolour and pencil illustrations balance and enrich the narrative. They bring to life Bowen’s creative mind, his brilliant thoughts and deftly capture his emotions. They also highlight that the way he thinks and responds can be an isolating experience for him, but could be overcome with a greater understanding and opportunities for him to fully participate. It is heart warming to see the illustrations capture his joy and how he thrives when he has the opportunity to create and solve problems.
Many readers will relate to this story and see themselves represented. It will be a source of comfort as well as validation to those that experience learning difficulties and neurological differences, including my own resilient daughter who often sees her learning differences (dyslexia and dyscalculia) as what makes her different, but as she says, they also make her “all kinds of wonderful”. This story is a beautiful lesson and celebration in valuing curiosity and difference, experiencing diversity and developing understanding and empathy.