Iris Grace

The astonishing tale of a little girl who was different, her cat and how they brought a family together. 'Different is brilliant . . .' Iris Grace is different. From the moment she was born she found the world a strange and terrifying place: she neither smiled nor spoke. The doctors couldn't help, telling her parents she might never be able to communicate - she'd never call them mummy or daddy. But then Iris met Thula. This special kitten and Iris became instant best friends. They did everything together - painting, playing, bathing, snuggling, sleeping, exploring. And then a miracle happened: Iris said her first words. The story of the amazing bond between Iris and Thula is a heartwarming tale of finding hope and happiness in the most unexpected places. Because different really is brilliant. *** 'Moving, honest and full of hope. Wonderful' Daily Mail , Books of the Year 'An astonishing talent' Daily Express 'A miracle' Best 'Astonishing, remarkable' ITV News 'Iris's astonishing tale of talent and relationship with Thula is lovingly told' Daily Mail ' Ever since we came home with Thula, this precious magical kitten has cast a spell over Iris. They sit beside each other as Iris paints, and new doorways to communication have been opened, doors we had previously feared might be locked forever .' Iris Grace is six years old and severely autistic. For the first few years of her life she barely communicated at all - she hardly ever looked up when her parents walked into a room, she rarely smiled or spoke. Her mother Arabella despaired - Iris seemed to be trapped in her own world, unreachable. Then one day the family decided to get a cat, Thula, with whom Iris had an immediate affinity. She appeared to open up and communicate with Thula in a way that she hadn't done before. The little girl who seemed to be lost in her own world slowly blossomed. Iris is an extraordinarily gifted artist who sees the world in a profoundly vivid and visceral way, and with Thula by her side, she will sit and paint for hours.... A remarkable, heartwarming true story about an autistic little girl and the cat that saved her. Iris Grace is five years old and severely autistic. For the first few years of her life she barely communicated at all and seemed to be trapped in her own world, unreachable. But when the family decided to get a cat, Thula, Iris opened up and began to communicate. The little girl who seemed to be lost in her own world slowly blossomed; Iris grew in confidence and began to explore the world around her. This led to her discovering painting - and an extraordinary talent emerged. Her exquisite Monet-like watercolour images have to be seen to be believed. Originally published: UK: Michael Joseph "Iris Grace is six years old and severely autistic. For the first few years of her life she barely communicated at all - she hardly ever looked up when her parents walked into a room, she rarely smiled or spoke. Her mother Arabella despaired - Iris seemed to be trapped in her own world, unreachable. Then one day the family decided to get a cat, Thula, with whom Iris had an immediate affinity. She appeared to open up and communicate with Thula in a way that she hadn't done before. The little girl who seemed to be lost in her own world slowly blossomed."--Supplied by publisher