Local Children's Book Author Visits Three Stories Books In Lemont

LEMONT, IL — Local author Sandy Sotzen recently paid a visit to Three Stories Books and shared a message of kindness and inclusivity as she discussed her children's book "Why Do They Do That?" with Girl Scout Brownie Troop 75643.

Sotzen's book is about a little girl asking several questions about individuals with special needs, and it is "intended to help curious little minds begin to understand those who may not behave or look like they do," the publisher's website states. The book is illustrated by Catherine Suvorova.

"What I did write about is something I kind of know a lot about," Sotzen said during the visit. "The inspiration for my book is my youngest son, Tyler."

Sotzen said Tyler has autism and is non-verbal.

Sotzen described how people have called her son names, either because they chose not to be kind or because they didn't understand her son's behavior. She encouraged the troop to ask questions and to be kind and inclusive to others who have special needs.

"Unfortunately, the typical response we get is a mom or a dad, and they usually [tell their children], 'Shh, don't stare'" Sotzen said. "But you know what? It's OK. It's OK if you stare, and it's OK if you ask questions."

"I started thinking that if kids are confused about Tyler's disability, they're probably confused about lots of disabilities that they see," Sotzen said. "You may see people in your community all the time and be a little confused as to why they're doing certain things or why they have certain equipment, and that's the reason why I wrote the book."

The troop, which is a group of second grade girls, also learned about the spectrum of autism and how it can vary from person to person.

Sotzen told Patch she was grateful to be able to share her book with the troop.

"My hope is that the girls learned about various disabilities and will remember to be kind to whoever they meet in life," she said.

This was the first author visit for Three Stories Books, which opened in April in downtown Lemont. Owner Sommer Steele said she was "so pleased" with the event and that it provided a chance to see how the business could hold events moving forward.

She said the event combined many things she was passionate about.

"The book essentially inspires and builds kindness and a stronger community, love all around," Steele said.