Quantum Possum

by Gina Gallois, Lor Bingham (editor), Possum .Mood (illustrator)

Quantum Possum is an inclusive, neurodivergence-affirming graphic novel taking readers on a wacky & frequently sidetracked adventure through Cosmic Bog, helping creatures in need and including everyone in the fun.

Though autism and ADHD are not overtly mentioned in the story, readers will recognize common neurodivergent traits among several of the

Opal Opossum is very sensitive to light and noise - she wears headphones to a concert in the opening scene. She is worn out by crowds.Essie Skunk carries a Rubik's cube around with her as a fidget toy. She is very logical.Albin Ferret gets distracted VERY easily, has a wild imagination and some serious energy.Ricky and Rocco the Raccoon Twins - One of the twins does most of the talking and the other uses echolalia, repeating much of what his brother says, to communicate.Cecil the Burmese Python is very socially awkward and doesn't seem to understand personal space, but he's learning!Educational Super Strengths in Quantum Possum

Neurodivergent pride, visibility & inclusionEnvironmentally conscious - Cosmic Bog has a long and dubious history with toxic waste that may not have ever been entirely resolved...Teamwork, friendship, second chances - things we all need, but sometimes need a little help to achieve.Fidget breaks between chaptersAdditional information and resources in the last pages of the book.Ages 6 - 12
Book 6.5"x9", full color, ebook, with approximately 100 pages

Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

About the author

Known for loving opossums, rescuing street kitties, and kid-wrangling, Gina Gallois usually has an audiobook playing and a cup of Earl Grey in hand. Before becoming a children’s writer, Gina was a French professor.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Gina, her husband Fabien, and their two children jump at the slightest opportunity to travel somewhere new and gorge on the local pastries.

Gina’s books include Opossum Opposites, Mama Opossum’s Misadventures and Cats and Dogs Make the Best of Friends. Opossums to the Rescue is coming in mid 2021.

Reviews

[clasyone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an inclusive, neurodivergence-affirming graphic novel, written with the clear intention of showcasing characters of multiple diverse neurotypes. Sometime authors who write with a specific intention can get a bit heavy-handed.

This is not one of those books.

I think any reader will enjoy this one, and most will not be aware that the characters are neurodivergent unless they read the cover flap. That may be the best thing about this book.
The characters are funny, quirky and original. (My favorite is Cecil, a python who just wants to make friends, but his hugs are just a little too tight.) I think kids will root for Cecil, and the other characters as well, even without being told that they are differently abled, and isn't that our hope for children in the real world - to accept people as they are?

The book includes a glossary to assist readers in understanding all the wonderful vocabulary used, like enigmatic, happenstance, inexplicable, meandering, rigamarole, and many more.

Another wonderful addition are the movement breaks between chapters that include things like stretching exercises, singing, and spelling backwards.

This is the first book in what will be a series.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute premise, but lacking the connection I was hoping for. The characters are cute but didn’t have anything to make them memorable. Loved the idea of brain breaks between each chapter as well, but the intention of the story was muddled and I’m not sure it taught a useful lesson.

[Audrey Sauble · Rating 5 out of 5]

We just got out copy and my kids loved it--they wanted to know when the next book will be available.

[E.G. Creel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My spectrum son was absolutely glued to this book. Start to finish. He told me, he can't wait for book number two.

[Megalodon Shark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone on the spectrum, this book is extremely validating! Neurodivergent or not anyone can enjoy this book!!