When it comes to understanding and celebrating autism, hyperlexia, or neurodiversity in general, it's important to learn about sensory processing. And that includes talking about sensory needs with your children.
Whether a child seeks out sensory input, avoids certain sensations, or experiences the world in a unique way, these picture books about sensory processing differences will help kids feel seen and understood. (They might just also learn about some possible accommodations or coping strategies that they could use themselves along the way - win, win!)
So, let's take a closer look at some of my personal favorite picture books that highlight sensory differences and sensory needs.
The Best Picture Books About Sensory Processing & Sensory Differences for Kids
The following children's books focus on sensory differences, sensory processing, and sensory overload and don't necessarily name a specific neurotype. I have other lists that focus on specific neurotypes, such as autism, if you'd prefer.
Please note that I have personally read and reviewed all of the following books myself and would feel comfortable sharing these books with my own children. The list will also be updated as I find new titles to share and include (and when I can get my hands on them - some are tricky to find locally!).
1. My Brain is Magic: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration by Prasha Sooful
I love the illustrations in this book. They're so colorful and have an indescribable magical vibe to them that really matches the book's title. The text is great too, showcasing different ways of seeking sensory input. Honestly, I feel like the book lives up to its title and subtitle really well. It's a lovely book!
2. This Beach is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill
This book is part of the Little Senses series and talks about some of the sensory challenges that come along with going to the beach, from the crowds and noise to the feel of the sand. I also loved how the dad helped his son regulate and mirrored the boy's play on the beach. Plus, the artwork in this book is so unique! I loved how the text overlapped and reflected how the boy felt when he was clearly overwhelmed.
3. Wiggles, Stomps, & Squeezes Calm my Jitters Down by Lindsey Rowe Parker
Written by an ADHDer with illustrations by an autistic illustrator, this picture book explores various sensory experiences and stimming. Some of the pages are visually busy and overstimulating, but the content is very good.
4. Wiggles, Stomps, & Squeezes Calm my Jitters Down at School by Lindsey Rowe Parker
A follow up to the above book, this one focuses on managing sensory needs while at school and showcases sensory overload and meltdowns at school. The main character loves planets and dinosaurs, which many kids might relate to. Similar to the previous book, some of the illustrations can be quite busy and overstimulating, but the book is good.
5. Too Much! An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutiérrez
Written by an adult who has sensory processing issues, this picture book focuses on sensory overload. It has a nice rhyming text throughout and the illustrations are beautiful! Some of the illustrations, however, can be a bit busy (and may be overstimulating to some!), but they also (likely intentionally) reflect the feelings of sensory overload. It's a good little book, but I did find it a bit short. I wish it had a little more substance to it.
6. Don't Hug Doug (He Doesn't Like it) by Carrier Finison
While the book's focus is primarily consent, it does touch on the sensory aspects that make hugs uncomfortable for some kids, which is why I included it on this list. After all, Dough doesn't like hugs because they are too squeezy and too squashy. This book talks about alternatives to hugs and the illustrations are bright and colorful. There is also lots of fun humor throughout and the last page is interactive, encouraging kids to ask and give a high five. It's a cute little book.
7. Nope. Never. Not for Me! by Samantha Cotterill
This book touches on the sensory aspects of food and offers differ ways to explore foods. Like her other books, I really enjoy the art style of the illustrations - they're incredibly unique! I also love myself a good pun so I loved the concept of a being a "try"ceratops (it helps that triceratops are my favorite dinosaur though too). Overall, a fairly good book.
8. Sensory Seeking Sebastian by Christia DeShields
This picture book showcases lots of different sensory tools and accommodations, including a body sock, chew necklaces, a weighted vest, and jumping on a trampoline. It also encourages kids to think about their own sensory needs and strategies. I appreciate the simple format and the large text. It's a great little book for talking about sensory needs.
9. When Things Get Too Loud by Anne Alcott
Here's a picture book about sensory overload, how it feels, and what you can do to help. It showcases using a feeling thermometer and offers some examples of different coping strategies at the end. The book is quite informative for kids and has a nice rhyming text. Overall, a good little book.
10. Lily and the Snow by Sara Stone
This children's book focuses on the sensory experience of snow and how much Lily doesn't like it. But, with the encouragement and support of her mom, they find a way for her to explore the snow (e.g., splashing in slushy snow), based on other things she does enjoy (e.g., splashing in puddles). While I thought the book ended rather abruptly, it's a good book overall. And the illustrations are great!
11. When My Brain is Messy by Tania Wieclaw
Written by an autistic and ADHD woman, this picture book uses rhyming text and cute illustrations to discuss sensory sensitivities and managing overwhelm. It touches on different accommodations and coping strategies too, including the importance of co-regulation. Overall, it's a cute little book for the younger crowd.
12. Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia
If you're looking for a book that focuses on paying attention to the sensations in your body, then this book is a good option. It gives a good overview of lots of different sensations that you might notice and touches on how feelings might feel in your body too. I really like the addition of the "let's practice" activities that give kids a chance to feel the sensations they're learning. It's a good book overall, but can be a bit wordy in spots.
13. Oona & the Shark by Kelly DiPucchio
First off, I love the illustrations in this book (just look at that cover for instance!) and I especially love that it features a Black mermaid who loves to invent and create things. It's just so lovely and refreshing. She is trying to befriend a shark who clearly has sensory sensitivities. As for the actual story, though, it's fine. I personally found Oona kind of unlikable and pushy for most of the book, but at the same time, I feel like she behaves like how a lot of young kids might act...But she eventually does find a way to connect with the shark.
More Neurodiversity Related Picture Book Recommendations for Kids
While the above list of books focus on sensory processing, perhaps you're looking for something that focuses on a specific neurotype or neurodiversity in general. If so, you're going to love these book lists:
- The Best Autism Picture Books for Kids - Children's books that describe the autistic experience from a variety of perspectives.
- The Best Neurodiversity Books for Kids - Picture books that are perfect for introducing the concept of neurodiversity to kids.
I truly hope this list of picture books about sensory processing differences has been helpful for you.
