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Sensitive
"You feel way too much." / "Will you stop being dramatic?" This tender picture book follows a girl who is told she is too intense, too sensitive, too much. She's told to grow a thicker skin, but the words of others slip right through. They somersault around inside and press against her heart.
What can she do to stop the hurt?
She needs to take time alone to think and read, rest and create.
Thoughtful text, detailed collage illustrations, and an unexpected word puzzle combine in Sara Levine and Mehrdokht Amini's moving portrayal of a girl who discovers that what others call a weakness can also be a gift.
What can she do to stop the hurt?
She needs to take time alone to think and read, rest and create.
Thoughtful text, detailed collage illustrations, and an unexpected word puzzle combine in Sara Levine and Mehrdokht Amini's moving portrayal of a girl who discovers that what others call a weakness can also be a gift.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2023
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 13, 2023
I received an ARC of “Sensitive” from NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
The author, Sara Levine, picked an excellent topic to write about in this PB. It’s been a long time since I was a small child, but I do remember many of the same things that other children (and adults!) said to me and others.
What I really love about this book in particular—and the current trends in the publishing world in general—is that the author reevaluates ‘old’ behavior. By ‘old’ behavior, I am talking about how, in the past, it was considered acceptable to tell people: quit acting like a baby; get over it; you’re too thin-skinned. Today, people are changing how they approach the differences that exist, whether it deals with differences in gender, ideology, or, in this case, personality. By publishing a book like this, we are teaching children that it’s okay to be different; that it’s okay to be sensitive.
This book obviously wouldn’t be complete without the illustrations. And Mehrdokht Amini’s illustrations really brought the author’s words to life. For example, when the other children were criticizing the girl’s sensitivity, the illustrator showed how the girl internalized those criticisms by writing all of the sentences in various colors over the girl’s face. I also like how the illustrator showed the girl’s jumbled overwhelmed feelings by creating a black scribbling. When I saw that scribbling, I immediately understood how she felt.
Levine did a fantastic job of showing children a way to organize the chaos of ongoing criticisms through the use of writing. And it was through that writing—an outlet—that the girl was able to find some inner peace. At the end of the story, the illustrator made sure that readers could visualize this by writing “Joy” on the girl’s face. I especially love how the author made sure that kids understand that sensitivity **IS** a superpower and even dedicates the final page to Tips for a Sensitive Kid.
I love this book and wish that it was available when I was a young child. It would have helped me and numerous other children as well. I certainly hope that libraries around the nation will purchase a copy of this book!
The author, Sara Levine, picked an excellent topic to write about in this PB. It’s been a long time since I was a small child, but I do remember many of the same things that other children (and adults!) said to me and others.
What I really love about this book in particular—and the current trends in the publishing world in general—is that the author reevaluates ‘old’ behavior. By ‘old’ behavior, I am talking about how, in the past, it was considered acceptable to tell people: quit acting like a baby; get over it; you’re too thin-skinned. Today, people are changing how they approach the differences that exist, whether it deals with differences in gender, ideology, or, in this case, personality. By publishing a book like this, we are teaching children that it’s okay to be different; that it’s okay to be sensitive.
This book obviously wouldn’t be complete without the illustrations. And Mehrdokht Amini’s illustrations really brought the author’s words to life. For example, when the other children were criticizing the girl’s sensitivity, the illustrator showed how the girl internalized those criticisms by writing all of the sentences in various colors over the girl’s face. I also like how the illustrator showed the girl’s jumbled overwhelmed feelings by creating a black scribbling. When I saw that scribbling, I immediately understood how she felt.
Levine did a fantastic job of showing children a way to organize the chaos of ongoing criticisms through the use of writing. And it was through that writing—an outlet—that the girl was able to find some inner peace. At the end of the story, the illustrator made sure that readers could visualize this by writing “Joy” on the girl’s face. I especially love how the author made sure that kids understand that sensitivity **IS** a superpower and even dedicates the final page to Tips for a Sensitive Kid.
I love this book and wish that it was available when I was a young child. It would have helped me and numerous other children as well. I certainly hope that libraries around the nation will purchase a copy of this book!
September 1, 2023
It is rare that a children's book can make me cry, but this one did. It touched a part of me that I have "struggled" with all my life [and only recently have realized that this is NOT my struggle, but those around me that choose to see a problem instead of acceptance and compassion] and I wish I had had this when I was small and wondering just what was wrong with me.
I think I was about 5 when I was first told that I was "too sensitive" and that I "couldn't take a joke" and was "too serious" and as I got older, they added that "I was just too much for people" and my ability to NOT make friends became my "super-power" [a huge shout out to those who have not only been my friend, but have STAYED my friend, even in the midst of me being "too much"].
In this book, this little girl struggles with the same things; thankfully, she has been taught tools to help her with this [being alone, writing in a journal, creating, being outside], and she is able to see that she is who she is and all the labels people throw at her DO NOT DEFINE who she is and that it is perfectly okay to be sensitive and caring [and that not everyone gets every single joke and that jokes about who and what you are are NEVER okay] and that is it okay to see the world in a different way than others.
Filled with gorgeous illustrations, a lovely note from the author at the end [who has personal experience with this as well], and tips on how to take a break from all the "noise" and reset [my love of books has always been my "break" and the ability to lose myself in them is what has keep me alive in times of despair over the words of others], which is extremely helpful.
I think all littles [and grownups] who have been in this same situation [and still are], will really benefit from this book and I hope that parents/caregivers who see that they have a highly sensitive child in their midst, will not only buy this book for them, but read it with them, learn to change their words, and help that gorgeous, sensitive, caring child thrive.
Very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sara Levine, Mehrodkht Amini - Illustrator, and Lerner Publishing Group/Carolrhoda Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think I was about 5 when I was first told that I was "too sensitive" and that I "couldn't take a joke" and was "too serious" and as I got older, they added that "I was just too much for people" and my ability to NOT make friends became my "super-power" [a huge shout out to those who have not only been my friend, but have STAYED my friend, even in the midst of me being "too much"].
In this book, this little girl struggles with the same things; thankfully, she has been taught tools to help her with this [being alone, writing in a journal, creating, being outside], and she is able to see that she is who she is and all the labels people throw at her DO NOT DEFINE who she is and that it is perfectly okay to be sensitive and caring [and that not everyone gets every single joke and that jokes about who and what you are are NEVER okay] and that is it okay to see the world in a different way than others.
Filled with gorgeous illustrations, a lovely note from the author at the end [who has personal experience with this as well], and tips on how to take a break from all the "noise" and reset [my love of books has always been my "break" and the ability to lose myself in them is what has keep me alive in times of despair over the words of others], which is extremely helpful.
I think all littles [and grownups] who have been in this same situation [and still are], will really benefit from this book and I hope that parents/caregivers who see that they have a highly sensitive child in their midst, will not only buy this book for them, but read it with them, learn to change their words, and help that gorgeous, sensitive, caring child thrive.
Very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sara Levine, Mehrodkht Amini - Illustrator, and Lerner Publishing Group/Carolrhoda Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2023
Sensitive by Sara Levine is about a nameless girl repeatedly being told she is too sensitive, she needs to grow thicker skin, or to stop being such a baby. Another thing others say is that her feelings frighten people. It is an excellent point to make to children that their emotions might confuse or frighten others and cause them to say hurtful things because they don't understand them. The book describes how dismal everything people said made the girl feel. The words "jostled and tumbled" inside her; what a perfect depiction! The girl found that if she spent quiet time alone doing the things she enjoyed, it helped. She then discovered that she could write down her emotions, which soothed her further. The book is straightforward and stellar in its portrayal of this issue. The illustrations are superb. The author includes a sweet note at the end explaining more about 'sensitive people' and ideas for coping. There is a link to a lovely activity about the book. This story will help sensitive children, or those with other outside-the-box emotions, to feel that they are also normal and maybe even special people.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for the ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for the ARC of this book.
January 12, 2024
‘Some people told her to change: “YOU NEED TO GROW A THICKER SKIN.” But no one gave directions for how to do that.’ (*source: SENSITIVE)
“It turns out that sensitive kids often grow up to be people who spend their time taking care of other people and animals and the earth, and making books and making art and figuring out ways to make the world a better place.” (*source: AUTHOR’S NOTE of book, SENSITIVE)
I love you very much, Sara Levine & Mehrdokht Amini, to have lived, experienced, written, and shared this book to us all SENSITIVES. Now, I’m going to see a Time Machine engineer and see if I can bring this book back to the library shelves of yore- Many thanks and blessings to you both!
“It turns out that sensitive kids often grow up to be people who spend their time taking care of other people and animals and the earth, and making books and making art and figuring out ways to make the world a better place.” (*source: AUTHOR’S NOTE of book, SENSITIVE)
I love you very much, Sara Levine & Mehrdokht Amini, to have lived, experienced, written, and shared this book to us all SENSITIVES. Now, I’m going to see a Time Machine engineer and see if I can bring this book back to the library shelves of yore- Many thanks and blessings to you both!
June 16, 2023
This book is for anyone (child or adult) that has ever felt deeply and been called too sensitive. The story felt like a warm hug! I loved that the author provides tips for how sensitive children can learn to feel confident by just being themselves. What makes this book work so well is the colorful cutouts. There's a big focus on the words and texts with varying weights and sizes. You can feel the child being mentally overwhelmed through the illustrations. This is a book I'll be recommending for all parents to add to their emotional intelligence toolkits.
October 29, 2023
“Some people told her to change:
‘You need to grow a thicker skin.’
But no one gave her directions for how to do that.
Her skin must actually have been quite thin because she could feel their words passing into her.”
If Elaine N. Aron’s book THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON were a picture book, it would be this. If you have a deeply feeling child in your life, read this with them and tell them they have a very special power and don’t let anyone tell them otherwise.
‘You need to grow a thicker skin.’
But no one gave her directions for how to do that.
Her skin must actually have been quite thin because she could feel their words passing into her.”
If Elaine N. Aron’s book THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON were a picture book, it would be this. If you have a deeply feeling child in your life, read this with them and tell them they have a very special power and don’t let anyone tell them otherwise.
July 18, 2023
First and foremost, the scrapbook like style of illustrations Is beautiful and genius. It really helps to visualize the lesson being taught through this book.
This is a great book for first grade. It teaches such a valuable lesson that I believe even the adults that read can benefit from.
This is a great book for first grade. It teaches such a valuable lesson that I believe even the adults that read can benefit from.
September 3, 2023
4.5
Not a 5 because I don't think it is a book that everyone needs, but for those that do!
The art is wonderful!
There are so many extention activities, including the art style, I could incorporate with children.
I love how it shows you can take those word meant to hurt and turn them into something powerful and positive that moves you forward.
Also, the tips at the end are wonderful!
Not a 5 because I don't think it is a book that everyone needs, but for those that do!
The art is wonderful!
There are so many extention activities, including the art style, I could incorporate with children.
I love how it shows you can take those word meant to hurt and turn them into something powerful and positive that moves you forward.
Also, the tips at the end are wonderful!
Read
November 10, 2023I'm glad this book was written.
September 27, 2024
cried reading this
July 2, 2023
This picture book is about a girl who feels easily overwhelmed and struggles with people telling her that she's too sensitive and needs to toughen up. The book focuses on hurtful words and painful experiences, giving examples of the rude and often damaging things many people say to highly sensitive types. The girl processes how these words make her feel, and the hopeful ending shows how she reframes these experiences and see herself differently.
The unique illustrations are an essential part of telling the story, and the text is simple and straightforward. At the end, there is also a note where the author reflects on how her personal experiences inspired this book.
This book can be a helpful talking point and teaching tool for families with sensitive children, and it can also be appropriate for helping other kids empathize with and understand their more intense and sensitive peers. However, because the vast majority of the book focuses on the hurtful things that people say, this could be more triggering than helpful for some kids. I heard some of these things as a child, but only from well-meaning people who didn't mean to offend. Children who have been bullied at school or verbally abused at home because of their sensitivity may find this book more upsetting than helpful, so some people should approach this with caution.
I also wish that the book had included some coping tools for sensitive kids. You don't need to change who you are, and you should reject other people's harmful messages about you, but it's also possible to build resilience and learn emotional processing techniques that make life less difficult. I've been on both sides of this issue, and while it's hard to be a sensitive child who's told to "just get over it," it is also difficult to play with someone who gets upset and cries at the slightest provocation. This book has a great message of self-acceptance, but it could have been even stronger by introducing some basic ideas and techniques that kids can use to help themselves calm down and process things when they feel overwhelmed and upset.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The unique illustrations are an essential part of telling the story, and the text is simple and straightforward. At the end, there is also a note where the author reflects on how her personal experiences inspired this book.
This book can be a helpful talking point and teaching tool for families with sensitive children, and it can also be appropriate for helping other kids empathize with and understand their more intense and sensitive peers. However, because the vast majority of the book focuses on the hurtful things that people say, this could be more triggering than helpful for some kids. I heard some of these things as a child, but only from well-meaning people who didn't mean to offend. Children who have been bullied at school or verbally abused at home because of their sensitivity may find this book more upsetting than helpful, so some people should approach this with caution.
I also wish that the book had included some coping tools for sensitive kids. You don't need to change who you are, and you should reject other people's harmful messages about you, but it's also possible to build resilience and learn emotional processing techniques that make life less difficult. I've been on both sides of this issue, and while it's hard to be a sensitive child who's told to "just get over it," it is also difficult to play with someone who gets upset and cries at the slightest provocation. This book has a great message of self-acceptance, but it could have been even stronger by introducing some basic ideas and techniques that kids can use to help themselves calm down and process things when they feel overwhelmed and upset.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2023
A beautiful and important story that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever been called "too sensitive." The whole book is visually stunning, with the text and illustrations interwoven in a way that really immerses you in the protagonist's emotional experience. My only concern is that it might be TOO immersive and intense for sensitive young readers, particularly given that there are so many more pages devoted to insults hurled at the girl compared to the single page at the end that reframes her sensitivity in a positive light.
The way that this reframe occurs is particularly brilliant, although - potential spoiler ahead - I wonder if it would have been clearer to young readers if it was done at the level of whole words rather than individual letters, and maybe even depicted as a more collage-like process involving scissors and tape.
Overall, while the book beautifully conveys the soul-crushing experience of being a sensitive kid surrounded by people who don't understand you, I would love to see a more symmetrical story that devotes equal time to the words that tear us down and those that build us back up. This could also be an opportunity to highlight more of the benefits of sensitivity, as described in the author's note. I did appreciate both the author's note and the "tips for a sensitive kid" page at the end of the book, which do a lovely job of not pathologizing sensitivity while acknowledging both its gifts and challenges.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The way that this reframe occurs is particularly brilliant, although - potential spoiler ahead - I wonder if it would have been clearer to young readers if it was done at the level of whole words rather than individual letters, and maybe even depicted as a more collage-like process involving scissors and tape.
Overall, while the book beautifully conveys the soul-crushing experience of being a sensitive kid surrounded by people who don't understand you, I would love to see a more symmetrical story that devotes equal time to the words that tear us down and those that build us back up. This could also be an opportunity to highlight more of the benefits of sensitivity, as described in the author's note. I did appreciate both the author's note and the "tips for a sensitive kid" page at the end of the book, which do a lovely job of not pathologizing sensitivity while acknowledging both its gifts and challenges.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2023
In the picture book Sensitive by Sara Levine and illustrated by Meherdokht Amini (Carlrhoda Books, October 2023), an unnamed girl hears complaints against her about her being too sensitive, “thin skinned,” and over-reactive. In the illustrations, which are done in a variety of media, these words from others slip through her “thin skin” and crowd into the outlines of her body. Her frustration and upset is illustrated by dark colors and pastel pencil scribbles. In the end, she finds she needs to let other people’s words out so she can find space for her own thoughts and for joy within herself. She does so by writing out what people say to her and using those same letters, plus some of her own, to write a new, positive message to herself.
Sensitive emphasizes the impact of other’s words, and shows a young child learning to deal with the mental effects of those words. In the peaceful resolution, the previously harsh pastel pencil textures and colors are replaced by gentle blues, greens, and so forth, with carefully shaped collage papers and intentional pastel pencil strokes. The girl’s outline is no longer filled with the words she’s heard but rather the word “joy.” She has learned to reframe her sensitivity into a positive quality, an important message for young children in this word full of noise and contention. Sensitive would be a strong book for teaching these social-emotional concepts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sensitive emphasizes the impact of other’s words, and shows a young child learning to deal with the mental effects of those words. In the peaceful resolution, the previously harsh pastel pencil textures and colors are replaced by gentle blues, greens, and so forth, with carefully shaped collage papers and intentional pastel pencil strokes. The girl’s outline is no longer filled with the words she’s heard but rather the word “joy.” She has learned to reframe her sensitivity into a positive quality, an important message for young children in this word full of noise and contention. Sensitive would be a strong book for teaching these social-emotional concepts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2023
What worked: How I wish this picture book had been around when I was a child! I love how the author shows readers that being sensitive is in fact a superpower.
The illustrations show how in the past and unfortunately even now, some use that word as an insult and a sign of weakness. With each taunt, the colors are dark. The young girl in the story is overwhelmed with all the negative taunts flung her way and I love how she takes those words and turns them into something new. The colors get brighter which symbolizes hope and peace.
As a former first-grade teacher I often heard these cruel taunts directed toward children on the playground during recess and lunch from those who viewed their sensitivity as less than. As a child, I also had these words thrown my way. More than a few times I was told to, "Grow a thicker skin", and even "You're just too sensitive".
What I loved about this picture book is how the author shows children how to redirect those words and look into the positive aspects. Being sensitive is in fact its own superpower. It also reinforces that feelings are real. There's strength in this message. One that needs to be out there.
Beautifully illustrated book that has a young girl turn ugly taunts on being sensitive into her own superpower.
Originally posted: https://www.yabookscentral.com/sensit...
The illustrations show how in the past and unfortunately even now, some use that word as an insult and a sign of weakness. With each taunt, the colors are dark. The young girl in the story is overwhelmed with all the negative taunts flung her way and I love how she takes those words and turns them into something new. The colors get brighter which symbolizes hope and peace.
As a former first-grade teacher I often heard these cruel taunts directed toward children on the playground during recess and lunch from those who viewed their sensitivity as less than. As a child, I also had these words thrown my way. More than a few times I was told to, "Grow a thicker skin", and even "You're just too sensitive".
What I loved about this picture book is how the author shows children how to redirect those words and look into the positive aspects. Being sensitive is in fact its own superpower. It also reinforces that feelings are real. There's strength in this message. One that needs to be out there.
Beautifully illustrated book that has a young girl turn ugly taunts on being sensitive into her own superpower.
Originally posted: https://www.yabookscentral.com/sensit...
July 27, 2023
This was a beautiful, much-needed response to the common experience of being told you're too sensitive (I know I can relate). The collage style really allowed the author's words to take on a new dimension—I really appreciated how the words actually seeped into the girl's head to show what it feels like when you can't deflect the hurtful accusations.
That being said, I do think there's some room for improvement; I would've liked to see different text treatment becuase the simple font really clashed with the texture of the art. Also, the story itself felt a little abstract, and I think it could've been strengthened by grounding the character in an actual experience of feeling deeply and being told she was too sensitive before zooming out to the generalized experience.
Still, this is a book I would've appreciated having as a kid, so I'm glad it exists for the many sensitive kids (and adults) who will have the chance to read it now.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
That being said, I do think there's some room for improvement; I would've liked to see different text treatment becuase the simple font really clashed with the texture of the art. Also, the story itself felt a little abstract, and I think it could've been strengthened by grounding the character in an actual experience of feeling deeply and being told she was too sensitive before zooming out to the generalized experience.
Still, this is a book I would've appreciated having as a kid, so I'm glad it exists for the many sensitive kids (and adults) who will have the chance to read it now.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2023
Sara Levine’s “Sensitive” is a sweet story about a girl who has big feelings. She is criticized for her sensitivity with words that press against her heart. Then, after some alone time and rest, she realizes that those words can be changed to affirmations to celebrate who she is as an individual.
Mehrdokht Amini’s collage illustrations help the reader visualize the impact of hurtful phrases and the joy of rest and recovery.
I love the acknowledgement that sometimes sensitive individuals need alone time to do quiet activities such as read books or just be in nature. If you have a sensitive kiddo or were a sensitive kiddo yourself, this book is for you.
This book is great for kids and grown-ups. It will help readers better understand themselves and those they might know who are more sensitive to the world.
Thanks to Netgalley and Carolrhoda Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Mehrdokht Amini’s collage illustrations help the reader visualize the impact of hurtful phrases and the joy of rest and recovery.
I love the acknowledgement that sometimes sensitive individuals need alone time to do quiet activities such as read books or just be in nature. If you have a sensitive kiddo or were a sensitive kiddo yourself, this book is for you.
This book is great for kids and grown-ups. It will help readers better understand themselves and those they might know who are more sensitive to the world.
Thanks to Netgalley and Carolrhoda Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2023
Have a child in your home or children in your elementary class who are tender-hearted, get their feelings hurt easily, or are greatly bothered by events, books and movies with mistreated people or animals? Get Sara Levine’s book and read it yourself first and then with that child or whole class and talk about it as you go and at the end. Feeling deeply can be hard to handle by the one who is doing the feeling or by those around them, but having a sensitive nature can be a gift, too. And having friends who can hurt with you and for you can be, as well. Acrylic, collage and pastel pencil illustrations augment the text beautifully. Main character may come from an AAPI background; others throughout the book have a wide variety of skin tones. Wonderful book to have available libraries for teachers/counselors/parents to use with classes or individuals.
Thanks for the print arc, Lerner Books/CarolRhoda Books.
Thanks for the print arc, Lerner Books/CarolRhoda Books.
September 1, 2023
I received an electronic ARC from Lerner Publishing Group through NetGalley.
The text is powerful but the illustrations drive home how much words can affect someone. I love the pages where this child's body is made up of the words and phrases people say to her. This image will stay with me. Readers see this young girl be told she is "too sensitive," etc. As each statement is said, it enters her skin and imprints there. Levine also offers a time apart to process and heal. Readers see her write strong word to empower herself and help her cope when others are hurtful. The final word she keeps shows how much she has healed herself and found her way. I love the author's note and tips for sensitive children at the end of the book.
The text is powerful but the illustrations drive home how much words can affect someone. I love the pages where this child's body is made up of the words and phrases people say to her. This image will stay with me. Readers see this young girl be told she is "too sensitive," etc. As each statement is said, it enters her skin and imprints there. Levine also offers a time apart to process and heal. Readers see her write strong word to empower herself and help her cope when others are hurtful. The final word she keeps shows how much she has healed herself and found her way. I love the author's note and tips for sensitive children at the end of the book.
June 19, 2023
A young Asian-American girl comes to terms with the fact that she is sensitive.
The other children tease and taunt her for having thin skin and acting like a baby.
She learns that her feelings are real and she does not have to feel bad about her sensitivity. She writes her feelings out in a journal and realizes that being sensitive is actually her SUPERPOWER!
The author adds helpful tips for sensitive kids at the end of the story.
I can relate to the girl in this story because I was also a sensitive child. The author does an amazing job illustrating in words and pictures the feelings a sensitive child deals with.
The mixed-media illustrations are outstanding and add great value to the text.
I love the way the sensitive child writes in a journal to find joy and acceptance. She writes out her feelings and realizes that her sensitivity is not something to be ashamed of.
This is a wonderful book to read aloud to elementary school children. It could also be used by a counselor or mental health professional. I like everything about this story!!!
Thank you to NetGalley for a wonderful reading experience.
The other children tease and taunt her for having thin skin and acting like a baby.
She learns that her feelings are real and she does not have to feel bad about her sensitivity. She writes her feelings out in a journal and realizes that being sensitive is actually her SUPERPOWER!
The author adds helpful tips for sensitive kids at the end of the story.
I can relate to the girl in this story because I was also a sensitive child. The author does an amazing job illustrating in words and pictures the feelings a sensitive child deals with.
The mixed-media illustrations are outstanding and add great value to the text.
I love the way the sensitive child writes in a journal to find joy and acceptance. She writes out her feelings and realizes that her sensitivity is not something to be ashamed of.
This is a wonderful book to read aloud to elementary school children. It could also be used by a counselor or mental health professional. I like everything about this story!!!
Thank you to NetGalley for a wonderful reading experience.
June 26, 2023
This is a book for any "sensitive" child with big feelings, so... most children! I wish it wasn't quite as abstract as it is, but it does provide a real feeling of acknowledgement for kids who've been told they're "too much" or "too sensitive" and any number of related phrases. The message is one kids need to hear - that being sensitive affords them power and that there's nothing wrong with the way they are. I also like that our protagonist is Asian and illustrated so beautifully! I would recommend this to my library; I think SEL books are always good investments.
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 26, 2023
Wow, what a moving, introspective story! As a parent to sensitive child and sister to a sensitive grownup, I find this to be a perfect book for encouraging those who struggle with “you’re so sensitive!” type comments to harness their sensitivity for good and to learn how to process any negativity they get along the way. The sparse, intentional text (with a very cool surprise word puzzle!!!) and beautiful unique art make this book stand out from other books focused on self care. I also love the inspiring Author’s Note and the ”Tips for a Sensitive Kid” in the back matter. I purchased for my 6 year old, but am now buying for my sister too! Highly recommend.
June 3, 2023
“You’re too sensitive! Grow a thicker skin! But no one gave her directions for how to do that.”
I relate to this book. I was told I felt too much as a kid but nobody ever really explained how to feel *less*. So I stopped sharing my feelings because they weren’t going to be respected anyway. I needed this book when I was younger, to feel less alone, to get advice from someone else on how to process being sensitive. I liked that the author included tips and steps that helped them cope with being sensitive. Overall, this was a great book.
I relate to this book. I was told I felt too much as a kid but nobody ever really explained how to feel *less*. So I stopped sharing my feelings because they weren’t going to be respected anyway. I needed this book when I was younger, to feel less alone, to get advice from someone else on how to process being sensitive. I liked that the author included tips and steps that helped them cope with being sensitive. Overall, this was a great book.
June 5, 2023
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group, Carolrhoda Books, and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review. I have always been "too sensitive" and told that I'd have to "grow a thicker skin" in order to survive, especially in the workplace and in friendships. This book beautifully frames the same phenomenon for kids, but encourages readers to just sit with those feelings and thoughts - not jump into being less sensitive or feeling bad for feeling bad! I'd recommend this for sensitive little ones, but also for those who may want to empathize better with hypersensitive folks!
June 9, 2023
It's easy to find titles to recommend about being a sensitive person in the adult nonfiction section (this includes sensitive children), but it's hard to find books that are written for children that help to explain and validate their sensitive nature. This book will be a welcome addition on my library bookshelf. I'm surprised there aren't more like it out there. The illustrations are beautiful and convey an accurate sense of feeling, especially the tree imagery. And having a multicultural lead character is also a bonus. Great work!
June 17, 2023
First of all, I want to thank the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sensitive by Sara Levine is coming out on October 3, 2023.
What a great story about a little girl who is too “sensitive” or has too many feelings. The book has a great message for children and even adults to feel more confident in their feelings and to realize that having these feelings is not a bad thing. I absolutely loved this book and wish it was around when I was a child.
#Sensitive #NetGalley
What a great story about a little girl who is too “sensitive” or has too many feelings. The book has a great message for children and even adults to feel more confident in their feelings and to realize that having these feelings is not a bad thing. I absolutely loved this book and wish it was around when I was a child.
#Sensitive #NetGalley
July 3, 2023
Sensitive by Sara Levine is a beautiful children's picture book about learning to not let the words of others effect you as an individual.
The artwork by Amini is beautiful and depicts a color pallete and style that makes the images themselves timeless and visually appealing to young readers with its use of mixed media content.
Levine's story is a good SEL tool for educators, parents, and librarians to help teach children that being different is okay and that being uniquely you -- even if a bit sensitive -- is a tool rather than a hinderance.
The artwork by Amini is beautiful and depicts a color pallete and style that makes the images themselves timeless and visually appealing to young readers with its use of mixed media content.
Levine's story is a good SEL tool for educators, parents, and librarians to help teach children that being different is okay and that being uniquely you -- even if a bit sensitive -- is a tool rather than a hinderance.
August 1, 2023
First thing I noticed was the amazing artwork, which was created with acrylic, digital painting, collage and pastel pencil, which incorporated the text into the illustration. Gorgeous. As a sensitive child herself, the author realistically portrays the negative effect of constantly being told she was too sensitive. Negative thoughts led to more sensitivity, and soon the negative thoughts left no room for the child's own thoughts. The answer was to transform the negative words into something positive, and she did. Back matter offers more tips for the sensitive child. Important, tender and heartwarming. #Sensitive #NetGalley
Thank you to Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, and Netgalley for the digital arc
Thank you to Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, and Netgalley for the digital arc
December 11, 2023
Sara Levine's Sensitive is a much-needed picture book about how sensitive people are treated and what they can do to ease their feelings. The protagonist is criticized constantly about being sensitive and she receives unwanted advice on not taking things to heart and growing a thicker skin. Meanwhile, there's nothing wrong with her sentiments. We all have different viewpoints and reactions to what goes on around us. This girl finds a positive way to deal with the tumult of feelings inside of her. I loved how the illustrations incorporated dialogue and feeling words.
June 3, 2023
Sensitive is a thoughtful, reflective book about how it's ok to have emotions and feel them strongly. I think this book is more appropriate for grade school kids than toddlers, and will really speak to the kids that are often told they feel too much and are too sensitive. The art style was great at reflecting the chaos and calm described in the book.
Thanks to Lerner Publishing Books, Carolrhoda Books, and Netgalley for the EArc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Lerner Publishing Books, Carolrhoda Books, and Netgalley for the EArc in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2023
This is a creative, affirming book for kids who worry they are too sensitive— or who are always being told they are. I definitely relate and probably would have appreciated this message as a child. It may also be triggering for children who are bullied for being too sensitive though, as the majority of the book depicts these tough moments. The end pages are helpful and comforting.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
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