It's Just a . . . What?, by Hartley Steiner, illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

If you or someone in your care has sensory processing issues, you will get a kick out of this book.  You know what it means when that tag just won't quit bothering you. . . . Or that thread in your sock. . . . The tag feels like a prickly porcupine. . . . The thread feels like a dinosaur eating your foot!  When your child complains about something that seems so minor, your first inclination might be to ignore it or ignore them, but you quickly realize that their struggle is all too real.

Hartley Steiner knows how it is.  She has written about sensory issues and autism, and now writes It's Just a . . . What?Little Sensory Problems with Big Reactions.  With cute illustrations by Anait Semirdzhyan, she presents a problem a child is having--sand's too hot, goggles are too tight, tag is itchy--and the child's response to the adult's "It's just a . . ." remark.  At first, it seems like the adult is downplaying the offending bit.  But in each case, the adult assists with a practical solution: put on flip flops, adjust the goggles, cut off the tag.

Children who read this will receive a validation of their struggle.  They are not the only ones who experience extreme discomfort from tiny things that don't bother most people!  It's a good reminder to adults, too, not to ignore the pleadings of a child who complains about something seemingly so trivial.  I was surprised that she left out audio and visual stimulation.  Many kids experience discomfort with loud noises or bright lights; those would have fit in well in this book.  Nevertheless, It's Just a . . . What? is a great teaching tool for kids with sensory issues, as well as for the adults who support them.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!