This Beach Is Loud!

by Samantha Cotterill

Today is beach day, and one brown-skinned boy is packed, dressed, and waking his... read more

Today is beach day, and one brown-skinned boy is packed, dressed, and waking his dad at 4 a.m., ready to go. Brimming with energy and excitement, he chatters the whole way there. His mood takes an abrupt dive, though, when he sees how “busy” and “loud” the beach is. The sand doesn’t feel good in his boots or in his bathing suit. It’s all over his toy shark, and worst of all, it’s hot! Suddenly, he just wants to go home. His dad knows what to do: “Take a deep breath and give Sharkie a squeeze. Now tap your fingers and count to three.” Although the sounds threaten to overwhelm him, the boy and his dad persist, counting and tapping until he feels better. With encouraging words (“You are so brave”) his dad eases the boy into a day of fun activities accompanied by beach sounds—and now, it’s not so overwhelming. An installment in the Little Senses series, this relatable book intended for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the discomfort of sensory overload. (Ages 3–7)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2020

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