Autistic Author Interview
Chase Taylor
Ever since he was a little boy, Chase Taylor, has had a passion for letters and cute characters. Now that he’s an adult, he’s turned his passion into a series of children’s books that help children identify letters and words that begin with those letters. Children love the bright and whimsical illustrations and stories. I reached out to Chase to have him tell us about his books.
Tell us about The Letter Critters Biographies.
My second book, The Letter Critters Biographies, is about cute little animals called Letter Critters. They all have letters on them to represent the alphabet. Each critter has their own interests that start with their letter.
What inspired you to write it?
I was inspired by lots of childhood computer games and cartoons that focus on letters like “Reader Rabbit.” I also was inspired by cute little animals I’ve seen on television. I really liked learning with educational games and shows when I was little and wanted to continue the success of this type of learning from my vision as a young person. I was not too verbal as a toddler until I started repeating words like umbrella from the educational software games. In 2017, my mom noticed I had drawn alphabet critters and asked if I was ready to write a book now. I said, “okay.”
How does being autistic influence your writing?
Being autistic helps me think outside of the box and gives me more creative ideas from a different perspective.
Who is the ideal reader and how do you see the book being used?
Children aged 3-8 would be the ideal readers. I see this book being read to kids over and over. The adults could point to the pictures for the kids to examine too. My books are educational and a fun way to learn the alphabet, new words and personalities, it would be a great addition in school libraries and homes.
What’s the message you want your readers to take away after reading the book?
I would like readers to challenge themselves to read and write the big words I put in my books. They can also compare their personalities to my characters. I also want readers to have fun reading.
Is there anything else we should know about you and the Letter Critters series?
I have my own website, YouTube channel and Twitter page about my Letter Critters books. I also have free coloring pages that are downloadable. We donate a portion of the proceeds from the books to non-profit autism organizations.
Do you have any proud moments you’d like to share?
I have received videos from parents showing their toddler being happy reading my books and saying big words like “Dynamic”, parents sharing how the books are their child’s favorite book and want it read to them every night. When I read my books to children in a class, they laugh at my characters and understand the alliterations in the book.
I am getting my next book “The Letter Critters Talent Show” published by a company called Mascot Books in August. My first two books were independently published. I am also proud to receive the CT Arts Hero Award, Tree of Life Award, and selected to be the first judge with autism for the 5th Congressional Art Contest, and be in a national PSA: Brighter Life on the Spectrum and #KindnessCounts video.
What are the best ways to connect with you?
- WEBSITE: the lettercritters.com
- Twitter: @lettercritters
- Letter Critters on YouTube
Buy Chase Taylor’s Books on Amazon*
- The Letter Critters Talent Show
- The Letter Critters Biographies
- The Letter Critters Biographies Audible Audiobook – Narrated by Brianna Denski (voice of June in “Wonder Park” movie)
- The Letter Critters
Books by Autistic Authors
Visit our curated Amazon Book Shop to find books in all genres written by the authors we interview.
*Links to buy books are our affiliate links. By purchasing using these links, you will not only support the author, you’ll be raising funds to support our autistic team of contributors for their work too.
Read More Author Interviews
The post Helping Kids Learn the ABCs His “Letter Critters” Way! appeared first on Geek Club Books.
