New Book for Highly Sensitive Children: Arya & Everyone Else’s Feelings
When an author contacts me about a new book for highly sensitive children, I am all ears. And when Kelsey Fox Bennett Boyd got in touch about her children’s picture book for highly sensitive kids, I was keen to take a peek. And I was happy I did. It’s a beautifully illustrated book that helps highly sensitive children learn that sometimes they take on the feelings of other people, and that can be overwhelming. But thankfully there is a way to stop that overwhelm!
The Book
Arya & Everyone Else’s Feelings is a picture book for children aged four to eight.
The books follows Arya as she explores her cozy city neighbourhood and visits her friends and neighbours. They usually make her feel joyful and happy. Today, though, all her friends have big feelings. John is sad, Olivia is excited, and Sasha is worried. By the time Arya gets home she feels heavy, tired, and upset.
This book highlights diverse feelings and ensures that children see all feelings as normal and natural. It also acknowledges that all feelings, whether deemed as “good” or “bad”, can be overwhelming.
Her dad sees that she is troubled and talks to her about her day. He talks about empathy with her. He shares a 3-step process to help her with the weight of other people’s feelings:
- Feel your feet.
- Shake out the feelings.
- Imagine your protection.
Arya imagines a fox, a flying horse, and an eagle to help her feel safe and protected. That night she falls asleep feeling happy that she doesn’t have to carry anyone else’s feelings.
Why This New Book is Great for Highly Sensitive Children
First of all, Kelsey has written this book with highly sensitive children in mind. Secondly, books that make highly sensitive children understand they are not alone with their feelings, and that there are other children who see the world as they do, are such an important addition to a child’s bookshelf. This book does this, but also supports a child’s awareness of their own body and mind and encourages self-regulation. It also uplifts dads as sensitive and empathic caregivers and showcases a child and father relationship filled with love and support.
Kickstarter
You can support Arya & Everyone Else’s Feelings on Kickstarter today. The project launched a couple of days ago and has already surpassed 50% of the target funding. The book is ready to go, but needs help to get across the finish line. Head on over to the Kickstarter page to pre-order your (signed) copy, make a pledge for other exclusive rewards, or sponsor a classroom or group package for your school.
The Author
Kelsey was born in a small town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and now lives and works in New York City. She loves dancing, writing, walking barefoot in the grass and talking to trees. As an Educator and Consultant she helps all ages feel safe and capable, with a specialty in working with the Highly Sensitive. She holds a Masters of Education from Lesley University and is a licensed Brain Gym Instructor and Consultant.
The Illustrator
Born and raised in New York, Louie Chin is an illustrator whose work includes commercial and editorial content, as well as individual commissions. He has created illustrations for a variety of publications and projects, including The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Nike, and the children’s books, Bodega Cat (Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection 2020) and Don’t Ask a Dinosaur. Working with both traditional and modern media, such as watercolor, gouache, and digital art software, his biggest influences and inspirations come from comics, movies, and his daily observations of life in NYC.
