Loti and the Night of Wishes: A Story About Autism

When the world becomes too much, one little axolotl discovers that the things that make him different are exactly what make him one of a kind.

Loti notices everything.

The secret pattern of a leaf's veins. The way light moves through water. The exact moment the world becomes too much.

When golden lanterns appear above the canal of Xochimilco one night, Loti surfaces into a world of noise and wonder - and discovers that the things that make him different are the very same things that help him find his people.

Along the way, he meets Dalia, who feels everything on her skin. Sabio, who knows everything about weather and thinks in perfectly literal terms. And Pico, who knows exactly what he needs and isn't afraid to say so.

Together, they show young readers that Deep Focus, Stimming, Sensory Sensitivity, and Literal Thinking are not flaws to fix-they are simply part of how some minds work.

Loti and the Night of Wishes is a picture book celebrating neurodiversity, autism acceptance, and the quiet magic of finding friends who understand exactly how you feel.

Perfect for:

• Children ages 4 and up
• Families navigating an autism diagnosis
• Classrooms and therapy settings
• Anyone who has ever felt between worlds

A Story For Every Kind of Mind - Book 1

Written and created by S.G. Sánchez. Published by Second Star Press, 2026