Too Much! An Overwhelming Day

Gutiérrez and Chang’s supportive portrayal of sensory overload reassuringly tracks a child’s day from overstimulating to calming. A noisy alarm clock, bright sunlight, cold water, and an outgrown jacket make the start of the day challenging for the pale-skinned child who narrates this story in rhyme. After some classmates, portrayed with varying abilities and skin tones, “crowd and touch” on the playground, things build to a meltdown, but an adult is there to offer a “sheet-hug,” and home provides “Quiet time./ Dark place./ Soft shirt./ Personal space.” Chang’s smudgy digital art depicts sensory overload with boldly colored scrawls and a feeling of centered peace with warm, earthy hues, while little candy-shaped critters mirror the child’s feelings. Concluding moments show the child taking a moment to pause and breathe. An author’s note concludes with resources. Ages 3–5. (Aug.)