All About Brains: A Book About People

by Lake Bell

In her debut picture book, acclaimed actress, screenwriter, and director Lake Bell weaves a joyfully whimsical story that celebrates the beauty of neurodiversity.

For share day at school, Nova has to bring in something that makes her unique and she knows just the thing: her breakfast pickles!

But when the fridge opens to an empty pickle jar, Nova has to find a new share and her morning medicine leads to the perfect idea: her brain sparkles!

When Nova tells the class about her epilepsy, at first they’re confused, and she starts to worry, are her brain sparkles too unique? But Nova isn’t the only one in her class with a unique brain, and when her classmates start sharing too, what follows is a fun exploration of all the wonderful ways people and their brains are different.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

48 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Ana Jagielko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A parent of one of my current students introduced this book to me! All About Brains by Lake Bell, illustrated by Rachel Katstaller, is a warm and uplifting picture book that celebrates neurodiversity in a really accessible way. The story follows Nova, a young girl who wants to bring something special to her school’s “share day.” Her original idea, breakfast pickles, doesn’t work out, so she ends up sharing something even more meaningful, her “brain sparkles,” a sweet way to describe her epilepsy. As she opens up, her classmates share how their brains work differently too, one has ADHD, another is autistic, another struggles with anxiety, and even their teacher shares about having OCD. The book shows that everyone’s brain is unique and that’s something to celebrate.

The illustrations are bright, expressive, and playful, helping readers connect with the characters’ worries, excitement, and pride. Lake Bell drew inspiration from her own daughter, which makes the story feel extra personal and authentic. The book is gentle and honest, making it perfect for starting conversations about neurodiversity, empathy, and mental health with young kids in the classroom. It’s encouraging and inclusive, showing kids that differences aren’t something to hide but something to be proud of.

Overall, All About Brains is heartwarming, fun, and educational. It’s a great choice for classrooms, family read-alouds, or as a gift for any child who might need a reminder that their brain, however it works, is special.

[Marilyn]

On CBS Mornings show 4/15/25

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nova is excited for Share Day at school. When Plan A doesn’t work out – sharing that she likes to eat pickles for breakfast – she nervously decides to share about her epilepsy. Her friends are intrigued by her “brain sparkles” and each of them, including their wise teacher, share about their brains. Charlie has dyslexia; Phoenix has ADHD; Isaac has autism; Amit has anxiety. Even teacher Robin shares about her OCD. The kids all learn a lesson about neurodiversity right in their classroom.

The best thing about the story is how the teacher, who is Black with locs, is such a warm inclusive guide to helping the kids, of different races and skin colors, understand that their differences make them unique and are nothing to be ashamed of. One can only hope that all classrooms would be so accepting and joyful. Mixed media artwork portrays all the characters warmly, with wide eyes and adaptive devices such as headphones. Showing the variety of ways of functioning is important for children to learn, so that they go through life creating inclusive spaces.

My problems with the book: the title is awkward – readers may think that they’ll learn “all about brains,” but that isn’t quite true. Although I love the idea of getting neurodivergence into mainstream classroom acceptance, I think the author tries to do too much with one book. I think that focusing on Nova and her “brain sparkles” would have made an interesting book.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a joyful and whimsical exploration of the many ways in which people and their brains differ. Inspired by the author's own children, Nova and Ozzy, and their experiences with neurodivergence—including epilepsy, ADHD, and dyslexia—the story focuses on Nova, a pickle-loving kid who is preparing for share day at school. When her plan to bring breakfast pickles falls through, a spark (or a "brain sparkle," as she calls it) inspires her to share something even more personal: her experience with epilepsy. What could have been an awkward or isolating moment becomes a beautiful catalyst for connection, as her classmates open up about their uniquely wonderful brains.

This book effectively demystifies neuroscience, making kids laugh while genuinely helping them understand and care about their brains' functions. The illustrations are filled with quirky details and warmth. Whether discussing ADHD, autism, anxiety, or epilepsy, the book provides a safe and inviting space for kids to recognize themselves—and others—with compassion and curiosity.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely FANTASTIC debut picture book by actress Lake Bell about a young girl with epilepsy who shares her story with the class only to learn that many of her fellow classmates (and teacher) also have neurodiverse brains. A beautiful celebration of the ways our brains are different and the strategies each child employs to manage the challenges of neurodiversity. I LOVED it and will be recommending to everyone!

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am all for teaching kids about neurodivergence and mental health issues, so appreciate the concept. However, I was surprised that the book perpetuates harmful stereotypes about OCD being a "cleaning and organizing" disorder. I understand that it is simplified to explain to kids, but that is not the most common expression of OCD. Furthermore, the book didn't really have a plot and the title is misleading.

[Toby · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loved this book “10 out of 10” - he loved hearing about other kids who take medicines to help with anxiety and ADHD and was exited to learn about other kids with epilepsy and autism. The book sought to cover a lot, but definitely focused on the idea that all brains are different and important.

*Received as a free book preview from the publisher*

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about MY kind of people! Fantastic for kids with all kinds of brains.

[Kristin Vandersluis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! A great tool for explaining neurodiversity to kids.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid selection on neurodiversity; lots of potty-type humor.

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book - but too long and tried to do too much

[Stephon Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lake Bell knocked this out the park.

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟
I definitely see the plot in this story, and I love how the authors own daughter inspired it. But the title is a bit misleading and the conversations feel a bit stilted.