Celebrating New Reviews for My Children’s Stories

As I have now finished the manuscript of my seventh adult fiction book, I intend to begin writing early in 2026 my third children’s story.

Meanwhile, I have recently received two reviews of my second children’s book The Night Agnes Florence Emily Danced Before The Emperor and one review of my third children’s book The Five Adventures of Romilly Esmeralda. I’m delighted to share these thoughtful reflections below.

The Night Agnes Florence Emily Danced Before The Emperor

Rated 5 out of 5
🔗 Book page: https://www.edwardglover.co.uk/the-night-agnes-florence-emily-danced-before-the-emperor/

Review — Autism Canada (20/11/2025)

The story’s depiction of Agnes’s need for routine, quiet, and comfort in music reflects a nuanced understanding of autism. The portrayal is relatable and sensitive, which could resonate deeply with both autistic readers and their families.

Notes from our Ambassador: the language is appropriate; there are no negative depictions of Autism. the grandfather is the author, the representation of Autism is accurate, the magical realism is well done, the approach of special interests is from a soothing and playful angle instead of the obsessively negative context that sometimes happens.

By blending history, imagination, and music, the author provides readers with an engaging way to experience the world through Agnes’s perspective. This approach makes the story accessible and insightful for a broad audience, including those outside the autism community, and could spark meaningful conversations about neurodiversity.

Review — Riddhima (20/10/2025)

Riddhima, a neurodivergent past colleague of mine, wrote a deeply personal and generous review. She reflected on:

The story echoes many of the traditional traits of autism, its struggles, yes, but also its incredible strengths. There’s a strong emphasis on sound and noise – how the overwhelming volume of the world can make it difficult to think clearly, to hear our own thoughts, or to be present without feeling rude. This is so real for many of us.

Agnes’ long-term memory stood out to me as one of her superpowers something many autistic people share. I also appreciated how she finds peace through writing, a quiet tool for understanding patterns and processing the constant “dot joining” going on in our heads.

Agnes’s need for routine, structure, and space to regulate was handled gently in the book – not painted as a flaw but as a part of who she is. I loved that. Music is a central part of her coping mechanism, and it was beautiful to witness how it helped her regulate and escape the pressure of the world. Her bond with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart felt more than just imagination it was a lifeline. Music became her compass, her language, her friend.

The Five Adventures of Romilly Esmeralda

Rated 5 out of 5
🔗 Book page: https://www.edwardglover.co.uk/the-five-adventures-of-romilly-esmeralda/

Review — Riddhima (03/11/2025)

Riddhima also shared her thoughts on Romilly Esmeralda, focusing on its themes of courage and overcoming fear — experiences she connected with strongly as a neurodivergent reader.

For me, this book was all about overcoming fear, something I know all too well as a neurodivergent person. I loved the light-heartedness, the imaginative travel between lands and sky-high vehicles, and the sense of movement beyond the ground because sometimes, that’s the very thing we fear most not being grounded.

The unicorn companion was a wonderful touch. It reminded me of the one on the UK passport, since Romilly travels across countries in this story. The unicorn felt like a symbol of the invisible support we neurodivergent people often need – quietness, kindness, patience. It spoke to her the way we wish the world would speak to us.

What moved me most was Romilly’s quiet courage not in being fearless, but in being willing. Willing to try. Willing to change.

I learnt a lot from this book: fear doesn’t always vanish, but it softens. That sometimes we just need a unicorn’s voice, a steady hand, a gentle nudge, a quiet ‘you can’. Words can really hold us back or propel us forward.

Looking Ahead

These generous reviews mean a great deal to me, especially as they highlight how both books have resonated with neurodivergent readers. Their words reinforce the importance of writing stories that offer comfort, understanding, imagination, and hope.

With my seventh adult novel now completed, I look forward to beginning work in 2026 on my third children’s story — and continuing to bring young readers on journeys of discovery, courage, and wonder.