Ady and Me

By Author / Illustrator

Rich Pink, Rox Pink, illus Sara Rhys

Genre

Representation & Inclusion

Age range(s)

Publisher

Words & Pictures

ISBN

9780711293045

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

24-04-2025

Synopsis

Learn all about ADHD, neurodivergence, and how best to understand it with Ady and Me, the thoughtful and fun-filled story by Rich and Rox, Sunday Times bestselling authors and founders of the iconic ADHD Love. Rich and Rox bring their personal experience of neurodivergence to this fantastical, accessible story, sharing their important message: ADHD isn't something to be ashamed of, but something to be celebrated.

Join Sophie and her best friend, Ady, as they navigate the trials and tribulations of the school day together. Chatty, playful, and enthusiastic, they are inseparable! But there's just one thing... only Sophie can see Ady.

Ady may cause a bit of a mess, and can sometimes make Sophie late for class, but they also bring creativity and joy to Sophie's life. Follow this delightful duo as they work together to find a place where they feel happy and valued, on their journey from misunderstanding to acceptance.

Through Ady and Me, children will learn to understand and embrace neurodivergence with a simple metaphor and unique story that demonstrates the ups and downs of life with ADHD.

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Reviews

Amanda

Ady and Me is a much needed, wonderful story which will help children to feel noticed and accepted for who they are. Packed full of carefully made observations which are sensitively narrated, children will identify with Sophie and love Ady.

The beautiful illustrations bring the story to life and the smallest details, such as facial expressions, add a huge amount to the understanding of the characters. This is a must-have book for all KS1 classrooms (ages 4+) and should be a focus text when studying units such as All About Me. I will also be using Ady and Me in Emotional Literacy sessions with pupils who are waiting to be assessed or have been diagnosed with ADHD.

I look forward to reading more by Rich and Rox Pink as they have chosen such important topics and are so talented with their use of language.

Picture book / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Maria

Ady and Me is a book exploring neurodiversity and the impact it has on Sophie as she navigates life and school. Sophie describes "the secret who lives in my brain" as Ady, but knows and shares with us the reader that the doctors told her Dad it is called "ADHD".

The book explores Sophie's day-to-day activities and the reader sees Ady sitting with her, supporting her and going to school with her. Unfortunately when Sophie goes to school she encounters her teacher who is not understanding about the needs and support Sophie needs. Sophie and Ady have a difficult day and Sophie ends up in the Headteacher's office, confused and emotional.

This book has important messages with the kind, empathetic headteacher modelling the importance of kindness, tolerance and understanding, all values adults need when working with neurodiverse children and all children. The rhyming text is engaging and the illustrations by the talented Sara Rhys are bright but explore the difficulties children with neurodiverse conditions have.

This book can be used in PSHE lessons and with children to support their understanding of neurodiverse conditions. The Headteacher character is wonderful, however the teacher Miss Brackley does not model empathy or understanding which is a shame.

Picture book / Reviewed by Maria, teacher