picture books

HarperCollins announces the acquisition of Goldiboy and the Three Apes

This World Autism Awareness Month HarperCollins Children’s Books is delighted to announce the acquisition of Ashiish V. Patil’s Goldiboy and the Three Apes: An Isspeshal Fairy Tale illustrated and designed by Nikita Modi Biswas. The Ex-CEO of MTV India and Former Head of Youth Films, Digital Originals and Talent at Yash Raj Films, Ashiish V. Patil has been inspired by his son, Risshan, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2.5 and is now 17.

Goldiboy and the Three Apes is a modern-day retelling of the classic Goldilocks tale. Reimagined with pizza and pasta replacing porridge; wireless headphones and iPads making their way into the home along with Bollywood music. More importantly, it introduces children and adults alike to the world of neurodiversity and autism in the simplest, most fun manner. After all, awareness and understanding are what lead to acceptance. Something to make this world a more inclusive and isspeshal place.

Talking about the book, author Ashiish V. Patil says, ‘I’ve always believed that storytelling is the most powerful way to change the world. Risshan was one such story that rocked my world completely. As dad to an amazing teen with autism, this book has been a labor of love and if we’re able to create even one more aware person while possibly making you smile, this book would have served its purpose. Let’s change the world, one story at a time!’

Tina Narang, Publisher – HarperCollins Children’s Books adds, ‘It’s not often you come across a book that you know is worth publishing even before you get to the last page. Goldiboy and the Three Apes was one such. It’s a beautiful, heartwarming story that stirs you to think, empathize and begin to understand the lives of those on the spectrum. We need books like this that will help children see more clearly the differences that exist in their world.’

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Advance praise for Goldiboy and the Three Apes

‘Stories have always opened our eyes to things we have not experienced and helped us to understand things we struggle to comprehend. Goldiboy takes a classic tale and digs deeper to explain why this well-known but perhaps not so well understood character is the way they are. It teaches us about developmental disabilities such as autism and helps us to empathise with children who are different but it also speaks to children on the spectrum and helps them to recognise and accept themselves which I thought was particularly wonderful. If the goal is to have a world that is more inclusive and accepting then reading this book is a must.’-Soha Ali Khan, Actor, Author, mom

‘As people who have always made very conscious choices towards making the world a kinder, more inclusive place, this book really resonated with us. As parents and storytellers ourselves, we loved the idea of flipping a classic on its head to introduce children and adults alike to such an important theme for today of celebrating our differences. And when done in such a fun, happy, contemporary and positive way complete with Bollywood gaana and pizzas for khaana, it’s an absolute mandatory addition to your family library!’ –Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh, Actors, Producers, Entrepreneurs, Parents

‘This mindful retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears brought a smile to my face. Its vibrant hues and relatable situations truly make for an easy-to-grasp understanding of life on the spectrum. Something children (of all ages) will benefit from greatly. Thank you Ashiish for creating awareness around autism and its many “same same but different” manifestations. I’m a rainbow too.’ –Malini Agarwal, Founder & Creative Director – Miss Malini, TV Host, Digital Influencer, Entrepreneur, Author

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