Book Review of Picky, Picky Pete, Children's Book on Sensory Processing Disorder

How to explain to siblings, family, peers, to the child himself about the challenges of living with sensory processing disorder (SPD)? Looking for children’s book on sensory processing disorder to help you? Parents, caregivers, and educators now have a wonderful resource to explain and discusss issues pertaining to children with sensory issues. Picky, Picky Pete ~ A Boy and His Sensory Challenges and It’s Haricut Time! written by mom and occupational therapist Michele Griffin are the children’s book on sensory processing disorder that can help you. This post is my review of Picky, Picky Pete.

Picky, Picky Pete ~ A Boy and His Sensory Challenges is a 48 page picture book beautifully illustrated and written by Michele Griffin, a mom with a child with sensory processng disorder. It is another great resource for all families coping with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and for all who want to learn more about SPD.

The reader will quickly grow aware of the difficulties Pete and his mom must face each morning just to get ‘extra-sensitive’ Pete ready for school. The class in the photo, taken at Pasadena Elementary School in April 2010, surely understood the challenges faced by their friends with SPD much better after their guest author,Michele Griffin, shared Pete’s story with them.

The expressions on her characters’ faces and their conversations allow us to feel the frustrations, pain and love that flows between mother and child. After their trying morning and when Pete is finally in the school bus he says to his mom:
“I love you, Mom…morning , day, and night.
I am sorry when I start to fight.”

Many parents will relate to the mom as a tear rolls down her cheek as she waves to Pete… one more morning over…how many more like this?

Written in easy to read language for beginner readers, the words flow along with many rhyming couplets:

“Put on my socks! Put on my shoes!
Grass and sand give me the blues!
But make sure that they are on just right,
Seams in place and not too tight.”

To facilitate comprehension and read-alouds, Pete’s word’s are written in RED, his mother’s in PURPLE, and the narration in BLUE.

Teachers and parents will want to have this wonderful book to share with their children. The last pages have convenient resource lists of web sites, similar books dealing with Sensory Processing Disorder and catalogue companies that provide products for kids with Special Needs.

It’s Haircut Time is Michele’s second children’s book on sensory processing disorder. From Michele’s site we can read,

“Come along with one nervous little boy as he faces a day he dreads…..Haircut Day!

At first, he hides under a chair, but eventually he learns that haircuts aren’t so scary after all. Yes, he has to sit in a tall chair, feel the spray of water on his face, and put up with the tickly hair landing on his nose and neck. However, he learns to cope with his fear of the barber, and to maybe even like it…just a little.”

In our interview with her of Dec. 2011, Michele tells us, ” I recently completed another children’s book titled It’s Haircut Time. It’s about a young boy and his (sensory based) fear of getting a haircut. So many kids with sensory issues HATE HAIRCUTS! This book has the boy explain exactly what it is that makes it a bad experience for him. For example, he talks about how he detests the cold cape, the spray of water on his face, the way the hair lands on his neck and nose, etc. Then it shows how by distracting his mind, he can get through this harrowing experience. I also had fun illustrating it as I used a computer drawing program that allowed me to use different textures for each character’s hair. This book’s feedback so far has been amazing. Many people have told me they have needed a book like this!”

Congratulations Michele Griffin! Picky, Picky Pete ~ A Boy and His Sensory Challenges ~ 2010 and 2011 Book of the Year Award by Creative Child Magazine

About the author:

Michele Griffin was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences and her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy.

From her site, Michelle tells us her own three children, along with her prior treatment experience as an occupational therapist, often inspire her to create new books, activities, or projects for children. Knowing her books will be used to help children and parents cope during challenging times is often what fuels her writing. She’s also particularly interested in creating fun things that enhance sensory and fine motor development in children.

I am sure, like Michele says, these books will help foster communication, tolerance and understanding between parents and children with sensory processing disorder.

See also:

*Interview With Michele Griffen,OT

* 2010 Book of the Year Award by Creative Child Magazine ~ Winner, Runner-ups and Procedure

Buy Picky Picky Pete from Future Horizons and get 15% off PLUS free delivery in continental USA! Add the coupon code KIDCOMPANIONS when you checkout of the store for discounts!