If Your Child Experiences Sensory Overload ~ Read these Picture Books
Ft. a Picture Book List to Affirm Kids With Sensory Processing Differences
An estimated 1 in 20 people experience the world through a different sensory lens. For children with sensory processing differences, everyday experiences ~ such as the hum of fluorescent lights, the texture of clothing, or the bustle of a crowded lunchroom ~ can feel overwhelming, or even painful. And unfortunately, many of these sensory processing challenges are often misunderstood or overlooked in classrooms, homes, and public spaces.
That’s why education, awareness, and empathy are so important. By learning more about sensory processing and validating the experiences of neurodivergent children, parents, caregivers, teachers, and peers can create more inclusive and supportive environments where every child can thrive.
One powerful way to start the conversation is through picture books. Stories that reflect sensory differences can help children feel seen, reduce stigma, and give language to emotions that are hard to explain. If you have or know a child with sensory needs ~ or if you're simply looking to build a more inclusive bookshelf ~ these picture books are a beautiful and affirming place to start.
Picture Books to Affirm Kids With Sensory Processing Differences
Find the Full List on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles listed below:
Make it All Go Away by Helen Docherty | When a surprise family outing overwhelms Melodie’s senses, she struggles with the noise, lights, smells, and textures around her. Inspired by real experiences, this empathetic story helps neurodivergent kids understand sensory overload and practice self-soothing, while encouraging others to support sensory needs with compassion.
I Want to Dance in Pants by Jess Hernandez | Ava doesn’t like dresses ~ they’re itchy, poofy, and just not her. When her family is invited to a quinceañera, her mom insists on finding the perfect dress, but Ava has something else in mind: a sparkly tuxedo pantsuit.
A Day With No Words by Tiffany Hammond | A powerful, first-person glimpse into the world of a nonverbal autistic boy as he and his mother navigate daily life using a tablet to communicate.
Flap Your Hands by Steve Asbell | When four kids face stressful situations, they use soothing movements like flapping, kicking, and fluttering to regain their calm. This empowering picture book normalizes stimming and invites readers to honor the ways all bodies find balance.
My Whirling Twirling Motor by Merriam Sarcia Saunders | When a high-energy boy thinks he’s in trouble, his mom surprises him by focusing on all the positive things he’s done. This uplifting story helps kids with ADHD and behavior challenges understand that their impulsivity isn't a flaw.
Bitsy Bat, School Star by Kaz Windness | Bitsy the bat wants to make friends at her new school, but her unique ways of doing things make her feel out of place. After a meltdown, Bitsy finds the courage to return with a new plan ~ and discovers that her differences are what make her shine.
Next Level: A Hymn in Gratitude for Neurodiversity by Samara Cole Doyon | Celebrates the unique, powerful ways children with autism experience and communicate with the world.
Too Sticky! by Jen Malia | Holly loves science but worries about making slime because of her sensory sensitivities to sticky textures. With support from her family and teacher, she gets the accommodations she needs to try the experiment and overcome her fears.
Oona and the Shark by Kelly DiPucchio | Oona loves sharing her big, bold, and noisy inventions with friends ~ but Stanley, a shark with sensory differences, isn’t a fan. When her creations annoy him, Oona learns that understanding what someone doesn’t like can be the first step to making a new friend.
My Busy, Busy Brain by Nicole Russeell | Nicole has ADHD and a busy brain that makes focusing in school a challenge. When her dad asks, “What did you learn today?” she struggles to answer. With courage, Nicole faces her inattention and discovers she’s not alone
My Brain is Magic by Prasha Sooful | Whether your brain buzzes like a bee or roars like a lion, celebrate all the amazing things it can do! A sensory-rich book that joyfully highlights neurodiversity and sensory processing for kids to enjoy and embrace.
When Things Get Too Loud by Anne Alcott | When the world feels overwhelming, Bo’s Feel-O-Meter rises from 1 to 10. Noises, smells, and sounds become too much, and Bo just wants to hide. Then he meets a special friend who helps him cope.
Too Much! by Jolele Gutiérrez | Sometimes everything feels too loud, bright, and overwhelming. Drawing from her own sensory processing experience, the author gently shows how a sensorily sensitive child learns to calm themselves.
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Here’s to raising our young readers and future leaders~
Maya
Thank you for compiling this! My 4yo just got an ASD diagnosis and he's definitely a sensory kiddo who seems to already be noticing how he's different from other kiddos. I really appreciate this list of recs.