Cowboy and Wills by Monica Holloway

I just finished reading "Cowboy and Wills" written by Monica Holloway, the mum of a brilliant three-year-old son, Wills, who was diagnosed with having autism spectrum disorder. I found the book among piles of books at the Big Bad Wolf sale recently and was drawn by Wills sparkling blue eyes smiling at the camera with a golden retriever next to him. I usually try to avoid books and movies that involve animals as they are sure to make me cry. Needless to say, I bawled my eyes out over this book.

The books starts off with Will's mum trying to accept the devastating news that there was indeed something special about her son. So to make herself (and Will) feel better, they make their way to a pet store to buy an aquarium. And this was the first of many trips to come. Not surprisingly, their garden becomes a mini-zoo consisting of gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, and even a turtle.

But while Wills diligently tends to the growing menagerie, what he really wants is a puppy. And one Christmas, when Wills is six, Cowboy Carol Lawrence joins their family. Cowboy is truly one of a kind, and you will fall in love with her energy and adorable antics. (yes, she is a female puppy!)

She gives Wills the confidence to step outside his world and helps him communicate with his peers as well as the caring (and not so caring) adults around him.

Monica writes in a way that makes you feel that you are right there with them when events unfold. She includes the conversations exchanged which make it seem like the scenes were unfolding right before your eyes.

A must-read for animal lovers for sure!

 

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