Too Much!

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

to

The artwork for this book was created digitally.

Library of Congress Control Number 2022945352

ISBN 978-1-4197-6426-4

Text © 2023 Jolene Gutiérrez

Illustrations © 2023 Angel Chang

Book design by Heather Kelly

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

Published in 2023 by Abrams Appleseed, an imprint of ABRAMS. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

Abrams Appleseed® is a registered trademark of Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

For bulk discount inquiries, contact specialsales@abramsbooks.com.

To Shaian and Dakota, with love andgratitudeforyourpatienceas I learned

support your sensory needs —J.G. For Ma, Ba, and my sister —A.C.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

written by Jolene

by Angel

Alarm clock BEEPs! I quiver-quake.

The noise is loud and my ears ache.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

Sun is shining. Time to rise.

The light is bright and hurts my eyes.

Soft bananas? I’ll munch a bunch!

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When I eat, I don’t like crunch.

Sharp, itchy tag. Please cut it out!

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“No, not that shirt,” I want to shout.

This coat’s too tight!

What can I do?

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“It’s cold outside . . . I think you grew!”

Playground friends crowd and touch. Someone hugs me.

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THAT’S TO O M U C H !

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TOO LOUD!

TOO BRIGHT!

TOO ITCHY!

TOO TIGHT!

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

I’m overwhelmed. Don’t want to play.

“Sheet-hug, please,” is what I say.

A gentle hug and I feel brave.

That careful squeeze is what I crave.

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When I can, I’ll try to say just what I need to change my day.

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Quiet time. Dark place. Soft shirt. Personal space.

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Not loud. Not bright. Not itchy. Not tight.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

I take deep breaths. You hold my hand. I’m thankful that you understand.

I know I’ll find a peaceful place to still my mind.This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

With time and space

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When feelings go on overload,

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I pause and breathe and all is . . .

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This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

slowed.

NOTE TO CAREGIVERS AND EDUCATORS

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the information your senses are trying to take in? Lights too bright! Music too loud! Fruit too sour! Perfume too strong! Elevator too packed!

You probably remember how uncomfortable you felt in those moments and how difficult it was to focus on anything else until you were able to escape whatever was bothering you. Imagine feeling overwhelmed like this every day! People with sensory processing issues are constantly navigating a world that overstimulates and overwhelms them.

I’m a teacher-librarian at a school for diverse learners. I’ve worked closely with students and family members on the autism spectrum and/or with sensory processing issues, and I have sensory processing issues myself. My hope is that this book will assure caregivers and educators that a child’s sensory sensitivity is legitimate and real. By providing a voice to a child struggling with overwhelming situations and showing how that same child can relax in non-stimulating environments, I’m attempting to give families tools that will help support both them and their children.

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SENSORY OVERLOAD!

Overwhelmed by sound?

Try earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, or white noise.

Overwhelmed by taste/texture/smell?

Try offering quick licks of a new item and work up to an actual taste, present food in new and exciting ways (make-your-own tacos, dehydrated fruits instead of fresh, etc.), and establish clean-air places in your home where you don’t use things like air fresheners or perfumes.

Overwhelmed by touch?

Try giving the child personal space and ask before touching. Look for less-irritating clothing items like seamless socks and soft shirts without tags.

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Overwhelmed by sight?

Try dimmer switches so lights can be dimmed or brightened as needed, and offer sunglasses to protect your child’s eyes from sun glare.

SENSORY SYSTEMS

There are a variety of ways children interact with and receive feedback from the world through their senses, including:

• tactile (touch)

• auditory (sound)

• gustatory (taste)

• olfactory (smell)

• visual (sight)

• vestibular (spatial awareness and balance)

• proprioceptive (awareness of muscle and joint movements)

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• interoceptive (awareness of internal body sensations, including hunger and thirst)

Observe your child. Which situations or sensations seem to overwhelm them? Which sensations or situations do they enjoy? Once you know more about their sensory likes and dislikes, you’ll be better able to research ways to support them. If you need further support in developing a “sensory diet” for your child, seek out an occupational therapist.

CREATE A SENSORY DIET!

As you watch and learn your child’s sensory triggers, you can practice techniques that might soothe an overstimulated nervous system. Test these out and see which activities best help calm and center your child:

• Mouth activities: Blow bubbles, use a vibrating toothbrush, eat crunchy foods.

• Touch activities: Try a stress ball, sensory sand, or fidget jewelry. For kids who need calming, a sheet hug can offer gentle, contactless pressure (by using a sheet to hug your child’s body, or purchase compression sheets for their bed). A weighted blanket or foam rollers can also be used to provide the deep pressure their nervous systems crave.

• Spatial/balance activities: Climb stairs, swing on a swing, or hop up and down.

• Muscle and joint activities: Carry a box of books, push a shopping cart, or stir cookie dough.

• Internal body systems activities: Practice meditation, breathe deeply, develop the habit of using words, signals, or images to name what your body is experiencing and needs. (For example: “My throat is dry; I feel thirsty.”)

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

As your child learns ways to feel calm and centered, encourage them to practice these activities whenever needed.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.