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y teasing and bullying during her
school years.
Dyslexia is a learning disorder, making
reading and spelling difficult. A
study on dyslexia by the American
Dyslexia Association shows that “1
in 10 people have dyslexia.” Further
studies indicate that over 40 million
American Adults are dyslexic—and
only 2 million know it.”
Guinevere Eden, a leading expert
in dyslexia, explained, in one of her
lectures, that intelligence has nothing
to do with the learning disorder. These
types of learners absorb and excel
but not in the way that most learners
would. There have been significant
studies done by experts on how to
create a conducive environment
suitable for all types of learners.
“Research into possible differences in
the wiring of the brain is ongoing, but
tests routinely show that dyslexics are
better at spatial reasoning and “seeing
the bigger picture.”
As a mother, Tingley saw her own kids
struggle with the same experiences she
did as a learner. Her son, Sean, didn’t
talk till he was 4 years old and her
daughter, Nikka, kept getting kicked
out of school.
“My daughter is diagnosed with severe
learning disability. So she got kicked
out of private school and I had to
put her in a special education class. I
pretty much wrote my book for my
children,” shares Tingley.
The story is about the Noodles family.
Tingley admits that the name came
up while she was cooking noodles
for her kids. The book follows Nolan,
the main character, with his sister,
Nicole, and his parents as they go
on an adventure to Point Moon Ray.
Nolan is different from the rest of
the children in his neighborhood
and Point Moon Ray is the only
place where he feels at ease. It also
highlights another character, Sean,
who’s having problems with reading
that he wants to drop out of school.
His father, a fisherman, wants to help
him but doesn’t know how.
When Nolan and Sean finally meet
by chance, they succeed in teaching
each other and their families that no
matter what, life’s challenges need to
be understood—not ignored—and can
be overcome.
“Instead of making fun of Sean, Nolan
is excited to help Sean, in order to
make things better,” says Tingley.
The book is a “charming story about
the importance of perseverance in the
lives of two children with different
disabilities. Richly illustrated by the
author, it blends the power of love and
determination with the courage and
optimism of children who are coping
with “being different.” Parents and
children from all ages appreciate this
tale about the search for friendship
and acceptance by an author who
knows firsthand what it means to
“be different” in a world where being
like everyone else usually means an
easier transition from childhood to
adolescence and beyond.”
“I used regular markers, paint brush
markers to relate to the kids when I
made this book. Parents and teachers
Illustration of the Noodles family from
Janice Tingley’s first published book
Nolan’s Dreams
Left photo: Author and illustrator
Janice Tingley (second from the left)
with her family. She dedicates her
life’s work to them.
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