In Spend a day with Alex , Dr. Ralph “Defender” Morales crafts a tender, vivid children’s book that does more than just tell a story—it opens hearts and expands minds. This is a father’s heartfelt tribute to his beloved son, Alex, a child on the autism spectrum. Through lyrical repetition, joyful illustrations, and emotionally rich scenes, Morales offers a day in the life of a child who may not say much, but who says everything through the way he smiles, plays, learns, and connects with the world around him.
Alex, the narrator of his own story, speaks in short, simple phrases. He begins with a warm introduction: “Hi, my name is Alex. I don’t say much, but I know what I like!” That phrase becomes the anchor of the book, with each page celebrating an activity Alex loves—going to the farm, swimming at the pool, playing on the playground, taking the school bus, and enjoying crispy chicken nuggets at his favorite restaurant.
Though Alex may not be verbally expressive, each moment he shares is overflowing with emotional clarity. Morales brings readers into Alex’s sensory world—not just what he does, but how he feels about it. When Alex plays on the playground, he doesn’t just swing—he shouts, “Weeee, look at meeee,” reaching for the sky with laughter and freedom. When he rides the school bus, he stomps his feet in anticipation and yells, “Here comes the bus!” These are not just activities; they are windows into Alex’s expressive, intelligent, and exuberant personality.
The rhythm of the story is both predictable and engaging, making it ideal for early readers and children who thrive on structure. The repeated phrase, “I may not say much, but it shows…” becomes a poetic celebration of nonverbal expression, affirming that feelings and communication don’t always need words. This repetition builds familiarity and empathy, especially for young readers unfamiliar with autism. Through Alex, children learn that everyone has unique ways of expressing happiness, excitement, gratitude, or adventure.
What elevates Spend a day with Alex beyond the ordinary is its honesty and inclusivity. It’s not just about fun experiences—it also gently introduces moments of necessity, like going to the hospital or using the bathroom. Even these everyday occurrences are treated with warmth and acceptance. In these moments, Alex still shines with humor and resilience, doing his “potty time” dance or giving a thumbs-up to hospital staff. These details humanize his journey and reflect the real-life routines many neurodiverse children experience.
Visually, the book is as engaging as the text. The scenes are bright, accessible, and full of joyful motion. Each page offers a playful scene that invites young readers to linger and explore. The imagery complements Alex’s narrative beautifully, making it easy for children to connect with his emotions.
Dr. Morales includes a helpful glossary at the end of the book to define clinical terms like “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” “Stimming,” and “Echolalia.” This thoughtful addition gives adults tools to better understand and explain autism-related behaviors, helping foster open dialogue and greater awareness.
Ultimately, Spend a day with Alex is more than a storybook. It’s an educational tool, a love letter, and a celebration of neurodiversity. It promotes empathy, encourages inclusion, and allows readers of all ages to see the world through the lens of a child who experiences joy in his own unique way.
Now also available in Spanish language: Pasa un dia con Alex
