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From Publisher's Weekly

July 17, 2023
Animals represent the many modes of a child's active, "magic" brain in this lively portrayal of a sensory-seeking child written by clinical educator Sooful. "Sometimes my brain is a bee,/ buzzing around the room," declares a bespectacled protagonist, portrayed with brown skin. Other times, "my brain is a sloth," communicating to "slowly put on my socks and shoes. And slowly walk to the door." A lionesque moment inspires loudness, and a fishlike mindset prompts boisterous splash-filled handwashing. When the mind's sensate "kaleidoscope" overwhelm, the child practices a calming meditation that prompts a "wise owl" state. Peaches and pinks infuse Ladi's domestic scenes with a warmth that lasts until cool colors arrive with the onset of a "big sleepy whale" slumberâ€"a soothing end to the lively pages that precede. An author's note concludes. Ages 5â€"9.

From Booklist

April 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 In this brightly illustrated book, a girl describes the varied ways she experiences the world, simultaneously highlighting the concept of sensory-seeking behavior. As she enthusiastically explains, "My brain is magic!"--and she shares examples using animal- connected metaphors. "Sometimes my brain is a bee, buzzing around the room," as she flits from her rocking horse to her toys to a display of flowers. Other times, her brain's an octopus that "wants to touch everything!" or a lion--"It tells me to be loud"--as she energetically plays xylophone. But meditating, like Grandfather, can help her brain become a "wise owl, quiet and cautious." Eventually it's bedtime, and the girl, snugly tucked in, is surrounded by the animals, who are calmly snoozing too. Ladi's colorful cartoon art expressively depicts the energetic girl and her patient, understanding family. The book maintains an upbeat tone and approach throughout, while encouraging appreciation for the myriad ways brains can function in a kid-friendly, playful fashion. An endnote directed at adults further explains sensory-seeking behaviors and offers some suggestions for accommodating them.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Kirkus

January 1, 2023
A vivacious young narrator takes readers on a tour of their sensory-seeking brain. The protagonist, a brown-skinned, bespectacled child who sports a blue jumper dress and striped leggings and wears their short brown hair in two buns, explains their "magic" brain, which they compare to a variety of animals. When their brain feels like a bee, it makes them buzz about. When their brain is an octopus, they want to "touch everything!" When their brain is a lion, it's time to be loud. These and other behaviors are presented as a part of the magic of their brain. The child also mentions calming activities that they do when their brain becomes overwhelmed. The tone is positive and nonjudgmental even when the child is crashing into mom and dad or making a soap bubble mess. This story would be relatable and validating to many young readers with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergence that leads them to exhibit sensory-seeking behaviors (examples in Sooful's author's note include a desire for movement or oral sensory input, like cold or crunchy foods). This celebration of neurodivergence (though it never uses the word) promotes safe ways for young kids to get their sensory needs met. The text is pithy but lively, good for reading aloud. The art is expressive and colorful, with lots of warm pinks and oranges. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet, energetic book that can help neurodivergent kids understand their brains better. (Picture book. 3-7)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.