Jess Horn, a debut children’s author, recently sat down with our team to share her journey behind writing Bernie Thinks in Boxes. This heartwarming and insightful book follows Bernie, a young girl who organises her world into metaphorical boxes to make sense of everything around her.
When Bernie’s boxes collide, she must find a new way to understand her world and navigate change in a neurotypical world. Our conversation with Jess explored Bernie’s story, from its inspiration to deeper themes and the importance of representing neurodivergence in children’s literature.
How Bernie came to life
Jess Horn’s inspiration for Bernie Thinks in Boxes came from her life experiences and a playful twist of words. Reflecting on her thought process, Jess shared:
“I think in boxes, and I had a little bit of a giggle over the literal interpretation of that phrase. So, of course, I don’t go around sitting in boxes to do my thinking, and I found that sort of image funny.”
Jess reflects on how her thought process shaped Bernie’s character. She explains that thinking in boxes is a metaphor for her own categorical thinking. This playful analogy sparked the idea for Bernie Thinks in Boxes and became the first few phrases of the book that remain today.
Bernie’s boxes symbolise how someone with autism can process the world differently. Bernie’s boxes give structure to her experiences, helping her navigate different environments and situations more comfortably. Throughout the book, Jess weaves a story that resonates with many children with diverse thinking.
Powerful lessons from Jess Horn
Bernie Thinks in Boxes is more than just a story – it is a powerful reminder that everyone’s mind works differently, and that’s something to be celebrated. Jess hopes that readers will take away an important message:
“There are many ways to think, and there are many ways to do things. … The insight into Bernie’s mind encourages kids to be understanding and accepting of their peers who might think or behave differently from them.”
The story advocates the importance of respecting personal boundaries and comfort zones. Jess recounted her struggles in seeing a clear ending for the book until receiving her autism diagnosis. Bernie’s narrative beautifully reflects Jess’s journey of understanding her own needs after receiving her diagnosis, encouraging children to honour their own unique ways of thinking.
Why children need neurodivergent literature
Stories like Bernie Thinks in Boxes play a crucial role in children’s literature by mirroring the diverse world that kids live in. Jess emphasised the need to have accessible neurodivergent characters in literature.
“It’s really important that kids see the diversity of their peer group reflected in the books they read. … I hope that Bernie encourages them to be themselves, but it’s also important for everyone because it gives some insight into different ways of thinking.”
Bernie’s journey invites neurodivergent and neurotypical readers to deepen their empathy and understanding. By sharing inclusivity in children’s books, we can create a society where differences are embraced and normalised.
A story for every child
Finding support on Mable for people with autism
If you or someone you know with autism is seeking support, Mable offers a tailored approach to finding the right assistance. Our platform connects you with independent support workers who resonate with your specific needs and interests.
“Jess Horn is a Sydney-based children’s author, who is passionate about empowering kids and sparking imagination. Her stories are full of humour and heart, often exploring the world from a neurodivergent perspective. With a background in speech pathology and disability services, she now pursues her love of words by weaving stories with a subtle message of inclusivity, encouraging readers to think outside the box.” Jess Horn’s author profile from Affirm Press
To learn more about Jess, visit her website and follow her on Instagram.
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