I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Tal Anderson shares the joys of celebrating our differences in the children’s book “Oh, Tal! Not Today.”

The Synopsis

Oh, Tal! Not Today is the delightful first book in the “OH, TAL!” series, created by autistic actor Tal Anderson and Hollywood artist Michael Richey White. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, we meet Tal and her loyal cat, Winnie. Though Tal doesn’t speak much and has a unique way of doing things, vibrant imagination, creativity, and independence shine through.

As Tal’s parents learn that things aren’t always what they seem, true intentions come to light. Perfect for young readers, parents, and educators, this heartwarming story celebrates being different and doing things your own way!

The Review

What a thoughtful and kind read. The author did an excellent job of creating a story that felt both relatable and engaging for both children and parents alike, especially for the community the book represents so eloquently. The beautiful artwork also speaks to both the whimsy of the narrative and the childlike wonder with which Tal approaches life in every scene of the book. 

The theme of communication and understanding for parents and visibility for children, such as Tal, is extensively showcased in this fast-paced children’s book. How the autistic community is showcased in a heartfelt, understanding way while also delving into how parents can learn to understand how their child’s way of thinking may differ from others, and in doing so, give their child the free space to be themselves, makes this such a special and even emotional book for readers to hold onto.

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Tal Anderson and artist Michael Richey White’s “Oh, Tal! Not Today” is a must-read children’s book. The ease with which readers will be able to connect with Tal the writer and Tal as a character, and the heartfelt message that underscores the importance of understanding and communication with children from all walks of life, made this one book parents won’t want to put down for their children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

TAL ANDERSON is a professional actor, filmmaker, and writer. She is an advocate for change, using her voice and unique platform as an autistic actor to support inclusion and authentic representation in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood. She is best known for her work in the Netflix series “Atypical” as Sid, but can also be seen and heard in many other productions including, guest-starring in Season 5 of “Magnum P.I.” on NBC, and as the English voice of Tina in the Disney Plus series, “Team Chocolate.” Tal has always been a storyteller, and as a child could be seen constantly using her FLIP video camera, or one of several hand-held voice-recorders to record every day life, or her daily performances of stories/scripts she had made up or written. It is this love of imagination that led her to acting and filmmaking as an adult. “Oh, Tal! – Not Today,” is Tal’s first book. She lives in Los Angeles with her cat Winifred, where they can both live their best lives and be their true selves.

https://www.thetalanderson.com/

MICHAEL RICHEY WHITE is an illustrator and graphic artist working in television and film. He has created artwork for many different shows including the art for the character, Sam, on the Netflix series, “Atypical,” and has been self-taught, drawing and painting most of his life. He wrote and illustrated the book “Little Hipsters” and continues to illustrate all of the guests for the podcast, “And the Writer Is.” He tries to make the time to draw something daily, even if it’s just a little doodle on scrap paper. He is autistic and uses his powers mostly for good. A quote by Walt Stanchfield has stuck with him over the years: “We all have 10,000 bad drawings in us. The sooner we get them out the better,” but from Michael’s own experience, he’s rephrased it to, “It takes 100,000 drawings before you make your first good one.” Michael lives in Los Angeles with his wife and youngest daughter.

https://michaelricheywhite.com/