Book of the Month April 2023 - Riley the Brave’s Sensational Senses

Riley the Brave's Sensational Senses: Help for Sensory and Emotional Challenges by Jessica Sinarski, illustrated by Zachary Kline

This book is part of a series featuring Riley the Brave – a little bear with big feelings. In this story Riley is finding it difficult to deal with all the different sensations around him and struggles to make sense of his feelings. Sometimes it all gets too much and Riley gets angry and shouts at people, because his senses cannot cope. 

The joy of this story is that everyone around Riley recognises that when this happens he is feeling overwhelmed and in need of kindness and understanding. The other animals support Riley to learn how to make sense of his senses and figure out things to do to help him feel safe. The book also touches gently on the big feelings of being different, and through relationships helps Riley understand that everyone has different sensory experiences and needs.

The book has simple, fun, colourful illustrations that will help engage children in thinking about their sensory system. Included is an information section for grown-ups with useful explanations and practical tools. This book would help parents and professionals to make a sensational plan to support a child to feel safe and in control, and to build resilience for when things don’t go as planned. 

I would highly recommend this book, not only to those supporting children with sensory sensitivities. All children can at times feel sensory overload so this book is for all.

Claire Slocombe - mum, teacher

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