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When things get too loud
When the world gets too much Bo feels his Feel-O-Meter go from 1-10. Noises, smells, sounds, the world can be an overwhelming place. One day, Bo’s numbers climb too quickly and all he wants to do is hide. But then he makes a remarkable little friend….
When things get too loud is a story about sensory overload, how it feels, what can trigger it and what may help. The Feel-O-Meter provides the child and parents with a visual guide through emotions and the book comes with ideas to cope with overwhelming situations.
When things get too loud is a story about sensory overload, how it feels, what can trigger it and what may help. The Feel-O-Meter provides the child and parents with a visual guide through emotions and the book comes with ideas to cope with overwhelming situations.
- GenresChildrensDisability
Paperback
Published January 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Anne Alcott
10 books14 followersAnnie is a German-born author who now lives in the Netherlands, where she cycles through the countryside like a main character in a moody indie film—if that character were also late to school pickup and covered in cat hair. She writes romcoms full of grumps, banter, and emotional chaos, because love should come with laughter and a mild identity crisis. She lives with her British husband, two small tornadoes disguised as children, and exactly two cats. When she’s not writing or drawing, she’s watching drag and pretending her fictional characters didn’t just emotionally damage her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 23, 2022
Delightful, lovely, and beautifully illustrated, this book brought a smile to my face and a warm hug to my heart...and I'm an adult. I love this book. It's for everyone who's ever felt a little bit different. Wonderful!
July 7, 2021
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
And I am so glad I did. This book is a wonderful story that even as an adult, I could relate to. It is so important to remember that often things get too loud, too much for many of us, especially children, and we need that space to breath and collect ourselves.
The rhyming tale is easy to follow and makes reading it out loud a delightful and soothing time. It warmed my heart so much to follow Bo in his day and experience what he was. I think this book is great for parents, teachers, and anyone who often feels like Bo does. It explains what that experience is like in a thoughtful, smart way with the Feel-O-Meter and sights, sounds, and smells.
Anne Alcott has written something special, enchanting, and honest. Not only that but the illustrations are joyful, bright, and charming. The book is destined to be a classic in my household and I hope in many others.
And I am so glad I did. This book is a wonderful story that even as an adult, I could relate to. It is so important to remember that often things get too loud, too much for many of us, especially children, and we need that space to breath and collect ourselves.
The rhyming tale is easy to follow and makes reading it out loud a delightful and soothing time. It warmed my heart so much to follow Bo in his day and experience what he was. I think this book is great for parents, teachers, and anyone who often feels like Bo does. It explains what that experience is like in a thoughtful, smart way with the Feel-O-Meter and sights, sounds, and smells.
Anne Alcott has written something special, enchanting, and honest. Not only that but the illustrations are joyful, bright, and charming. The book is destined to be a classic in my household and I hope in many others.
July 6, 2021
Well what a lovely book. We were sent a copy of this book in exchange for our honest opinion.
WHEN THINGS GET TOO LOUD tells the story of Bo who has some difficulty with the world around him when things get too loud, or too bright, or too big, or too smelly, and how he tries to call himself back down so he feels safe.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful, really fun and sweet. And the words sound like they are written from experience rather than research. There's an honesty and realness about this children's book so it is a good one for kids slightly older than mine. (mine just wanted to point to all the pictures and tell me what they were)
A good book for a conversation starter with children, this brings autism awareness to its reader.
Congratulations Anne on a fabulous book.
Www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
WHEN THINGS GET TOO LOUD tells the story of Bo who has some difficulty with the world around him when things get too loud, or too bright, or too big, or too smelly, and how he tries to call himself back down so he feels safe.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful, really fun and sweet. And the words sound like they are written from experience rather than research. There's an honesty and realness about this children's book so it is a good one for kids slightly older than mine. (mine just wanted to point to all the pictures and tell me what they were)
A good book for a conversation starter with children, this brings autism awareness to its reader.
Congratulations Anne on a fabulous book.
Www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
July 10, 2021
I was looking so much forward to reading this book given that things often get too loud for me. I'm still unsure how much my daughter is affected but after reading this, I think it's more than I had originally thought. Cause she seemed to get it right away. Her being 3 years old, I was doubting a little that she'd get the system of the feel-o-meter but she totally did (I checked in various ways).
I like that the story is good while trying to depict a difficult topic. The illustrations are also very nice and not too over the top. The solutions page at the end is a very good discussion starter and the snail analogy is so perfect (I usually imagine a robot but a snail is much nicer).
I'm taking one star off because I do think that the feel-o-meter could be a little better explained and definitely made in a bigger version (I'll make one myself because I like the book so much and want one to point to and talk about).
I got a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I like that the story is good while trying to depict a difficult topic. The illustrations are also very nice and not too over the top. The solutions page at the end is a very good discussion starter and the snail analogy is so perfect (I usually imagine a robot but a snail is much nicer).
I'm taking one star off because I do think that the feel-o-meter could be a little better explained and definitely made in a bigger version (I'll make one myself because I like the book so much and want one to point to and talk about).
I got a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2021
My little man and I really enjoyed When Things Get Too Loud.
Anne is so talented. She tells this story of a boy being overwhelmed by sensory overload, and overcoming it with the help of a new little friend, in such a beautiful and educational way. And, to top it off, she also gives each page LIFE with her illustrations.
I’m so impressed with this book!!
I highly recommend it to all parents and little ones 😊🐌
Anne is so talented. She tells this story of a boy being overwhelmed by sensory overload, and overcoming it with the help of a new little friend, in such a beautiful and educational way. And, to top it off, she also gives each page LIFE with her illustrations.
I’m so impressed with this book!!
I highly recommend it to all parents and little ones 😊🐌
January 2, 2023
This is an absolutely incredible book—a seminal work of children's literature.
I was moved to tears—not just because it's a beautiful story and well-written, but also because it helped me as a parent of someone who often finds the world too loud. I was struck by how well this book can be used to help children communicate and find their way back to calm, especially when they don't have the language to express their feelings with words.
The author's rhyming is lovely and makes it easy for kids to follow along and understand what's happening, and the message is so important too: It teaches children that their feelings are okay and valid even if they're different from their peers. Not everyone sees the world in the same way—and that's okay, too!
This book should be in every school worldwide and on every bookshelf! It's truly an invaluable resource for children.
I was moved to tears—not just because it's a beautiful story and well-written, but also because it helped me as a parent of someone who often finds the world too loud. I was struck by how well this book can be used to help children communicate and find their way back to calm, especially when they don't have the language to express their feelings with words.
The author's rhyming is lovely and makes it easy for kids to follow along and understand what's happening, and the message is so important too: It teaches children that their feelings are okay and valid even if they're different from their peers. Not everyone sees the world in the same way—and that's okay, too!
This book should be in every school worldwide and on every bookshelf! It's truly an invaluable resource for children.
July 31, 2021
I love love love this book! The concept and the book itself is just wonderful. I have been recommending it to all my mum friends, as I think it is important for any child to read. The imagery is just fabulous; I love this kind of colourful, friendly illustration, and the story is so soothing and beautiful. Thank you Anne for this wonderful book.
June 25, 2021
This lovely little book is truly a must for all parents, kids and teachers. I definitely think it can help neurodiverse kids and kids that are highly sensitive to understand themselves better, and I believe it can help their siblings, parents and friends understand them better too. I truly wished I would've read it years ago already. I hope schools and day care centers picks it up!
Loved reading it!
Loved reading it!
July 13, 2021
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a beautiful book. The Feel-O-Meter and the interactive option to draw offers children ways to express feelings beyond verbal communication.
The pictures are endearing and the charming story of Bo is completely relatable as he navigates through different emotions, finding solace in an unexpected friend.
I would recommend this book to any parent with kids who find difficulty in communicating their feelings and tend to be non-verbal.
This is such a beautiful book. The Feel-O-Meter and the interactive option to draw offers children ways to express feelings beyond verbal communication.
The pictures are endearing and the charming story of Bo is completely relatable as he navigates through different emotions, finding solace in an unexpected friend.
I would recommend this book to any parent with kids who find difficulty in communicating their feelings and tend to be non-verbal.
May 4, 2025
I re-read this short, lovely, very important and instructive story with beautiful illustrations again. And I will do it again, and again, and again. That tells you everything. I highly recommend it to grown-ups and little ones.
January 3, 2023
Pretty good
July 10, 2021
When Things Get Too Loud is a children’s book both written and illustrated by Anne Alcott, and follows Bo as he deals with sensory overload.
At the beginning of the book, Alcott establishes the Feel-O-Meter: a visual of sensory overload in the shape of a thermometer, color changing green to red and numbers on a scale from 1-10.
Then the story opens on Bo playing with a vase as a rocketship, which breaks, beginning Bo’s ascent up the Feel-O-Meter. He goes outside where noises, lights, and people overwhelm him to the point of hiding in a dark shed. While hiding, Bo finds a snail and he calms down, returning to baseline. He leaves the shed, taking the snail, and meets another boy named Jo. Jo explains how when he gets overwhelmed, he uses music and breathing to calm down.
The story ends with the boys playing together, then Alcott provides examples of things people can use to calm down when they’re overstimulated. The final page allows the reader to draw what helps them, which is a truly lovely touch.
What I really loved about this book as someone working with special needs students, is how Alcott includes so many realistic touches regarding neurodiversity: stimming by tracing a repetitive pattern; seeking shelter in a quiet, dark space; using headphones; even the Feel-O-Meter itself is similar to many visuals provided in a special education classroom.
I did expect the story to approach the Feel-O-Meter differently, explaining the concept to Bo rather than it already being part of his repertoire, but it was still easy to grasp and should be perfect for the target audience.
I appreciated how the list of ways to help sensory overload could remind kids of options available to them, or give caregivers/teachers ideas of what they can provide. The illustrations are adorable and, though colorful, are not visually overwhelming, which is a definite plus. The rhymes were also easy to read and used simple language that a child can realistically understand.
Ultimately, this is an adorable book that should be made available to caregivers and educators immediately.
4.5/5 ⭐
Disclaimer: As an ARC reader, I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
At the beginning of the book, Alcott establishes the Feel-O-Meter: a visual of sensory overload in the shape of a thermometer, color changing green to red and numbers on a scale from 1-10.
Then the story opens on Bo playing with a vase as a rocketship, which breaks, beginning Bo’s ascent up the Feel-O-Meter. He goes outside where noises, lights, and people overwhelm him to the point of hiding in a dark shed. While hiding, Bo finds a snail and he calms down, returning to baseline. He leaves the shed, taking the snail, and meets another boy named Jo. Jo explains how when he gets overwhelmed, he uses music and breathing to calm down.
The story ends with the boys playing together, then Alcott provides examples of things people can use to calm down when they’re overstimulated. The final page allows the reader to draw what helps them, which is a truly lovely touch.
What I really loved about this book as someone working with special needs students, is how Alcott includes so many realistic touches regarding neurodiversity: stimming by tracing a repetitive pattern; seeking shelter in a quiet, dark space; using headphones; even the Feel-O-Meter itself is similar to many visuals provided in a special education classroom.
I did expect the story to approach the Feel-O-Meter differently, explaining the concept to Bo rather than it already being part of his repertoire, but it was still easy to grasp and should be perfect for the target audience.
I appreciated how the list of ways to help sensory overload could remind kids of options available to them, or give caregivers/teachers ideas of what they can provide. The illustrations are adorable and, though colorful, are not visually overwhelming, which is a definite plus. The rhymes were also easy to read and used simple language that a child can realistically understand.
Ultimately, this is an adorable book that should be made available to caregivers and educators immediately.
4.5/5 ⭐
Disclaimer: As an ARC reader, I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2021
I was sent this lovely little book by the author/illustrator in exchange for an honest review.
The day this charming and beautifully illustrated story arrived in the post box, my daughter (age 3) asked me to read it on repeat. We are now down to reading it only 4 times a day, but she really does love it.
When things get too loud is a story about sensory overload which is easy to relate to, for children and adults, and explained expertly using the FEEL-O-METER. (My only teeny tiny qualm was that it would have been useful to have a miniature feel-o-meter on each double page spread for the younger readers to track the numbers/ colour changes, but as I understand it would alter the aesthetic of the clean crisply illustrated spreads, I'm not knocking points off for that.) I really liked the page at the back full of ideas for things that can help when things do get too loud. However the book is not just limited to aural examples, but also gives examples of smells, colours and social interactions.
I would highly recommend this book for parents of neurodiverse children, teachers and well…pretty much anyone who can get sensory overload.
The day this charming and beautifully illustrated story arrived in the post box, my daughter (age 3) asked me to read it on repeat. We are now down to reading it only 4 times a day, but she really does love it.
When things get too loud is a story about sensory overload which is easy to relate to, for children and adults, and explained expertly using the FEEL-O-METER. (My only teeny tiny qualm was that it would have been useful to have a miniature feel-o-meter on each double page spread for the younger readers to track the numbers/ colour changes, but as I understand it would alter the aesthetic of the clean crisply illustrated spreads, I'm not knocking points off for that.) I really liked the page at the back full of ideas for things that can help when things do get too loud. However the book is not just limited to aural examples, but also gives examples of smells, colours and social interactions.
I would highly recommend this book for parents of neurodiverse children, teachers and well…pretty much anyone who can get sensory overload.
July 13, 2021
I really loved this sweet book! And even more importantly, so did my 2.5 year old son! The illustrations are beautiful, the story is relatable and compelling, and the learning it facilitates is practical and so important!
The book features a main character who gets overwhelmed by too much stimulation and even if you or your child do not deal with that particular problem, it can be used to teach your child about how others might be feeling. I think overall being aware of the struggles of yourself and others is important in raising socially conscious kiddos. For that reason, I would recommend this book for any child, not just those who experience sensory overload.
As an ARC reader, I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I’m so glad I did! But I would also buy it in a heartbeat, because it truly is lovely.
The book features a main character who gets overwhelmed by too much stimulation and even if you or your child do not deal with that particular problem, it can be used to teach your child about how others might be feeling. I think overall being aware of the struggles of yourself and others is important in raising socially conscious kiddos. For that reason, I would recommend this book for any child, not just those who experience sensory overload.
As an ARC reader, I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I’m so glad I did! But I would also buy it in a heartbeat, because it truly is lovely.
July 13, 2021
We were given free copies of the book in exchange of honest reviews and here's what I think about it...
New concept and beautifully described feelings in rhyme.
Kudos to Anne for writing about such a topic for children and helping them understand their feelings.
The rhyme becomes interesting and it's easy for the kids to relate to it. However at one point the gap between the numbers increases a lot and it took me a few seconds to realize it was not a printing defect but the author's way to show the sudden increase in emotions.
Nicely described feelings and how to cope up with them.
Liked the book!
New concept and beautifully described feelings in rhyme.
Kudos to Anne for writing about such a topic for children and helping them understand their feelings.
The rhyme becomes interesting and it's easy for the kids to relate to it. However at one point the gap between the numbers increases a lot and it took me a few seconds to realize it was not a printing defect but the author's way to show the sudden increase in emotions.
Nicely described feelings and how to cope up with them.
Liked the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
This book is about a boy named Bo who labels where is at on a feel-o-meter as his day goes on. Throughout the day, Bo experiences lots of different smells, sounds, and feelings that become too much for him, and his feel-o-meter rises to an 8 very quickly. All he wants to do is hide from everything, but he made a friend that made everything seem less loud. I would have this book in my classroom in the calm down/quiet corner for students to look through. It is a good book that shows children that sometimes our senses become overwhelmed, and that is alright. The back of the book also gives suggestions of things you can try when you feel things getting too loud.
March 3, 2024
This book is a reassuring and relatable children's book that explores the experience of sensory overload and provides strategies for coping with overwhelming situations. The story follows a young boy named Gus who becomes overwhelmed by loud noises at school. With the help of his teacher and classmates, Gus learns techniques to manage his sensory sensitivities and feel more comfortable in noisy environments.
In the classroom, this book provides an opportunity for discussions about empathy and understanding differences. Teachers can use it to help students develop empathy by encouraging them to imagine how others might feel in overwhelming situations.
In the classroom, this book provides an opportunity for discussions about empathy and understanding differences. Teachers can use it to help students develop empathy by encouraging them to imagine how others might feel in overwhelming situations.
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April 11, 2024Like My Brother Charlie, this is another one that highlight Autism Spectrum Disorder. It goes over the experience, along with several of its struggles. There is a feel-o-meter that goes from 1-10, and when it gets to 10, he can’t handle it anymore. The end of the book also goes over physical items to help ease the stress, and coping tips for when things get too loud. It’s about autism, but I think it can be a good jumping off point for managing stress in general for students. We could lead a discussion about ways to deal with it after a classroom read aloud, and even make our own ‘feel-o-meter.’ Good for grades K-4.
November 11, 2024
I think this book is intended for grades 1st through 3rd. This book is about a young child who feels overwhelmed by loud noises and busy environments. The story gently explores sensory overload and how it can make them feel all of these feelings. Throughout the book, the child learns simple techniques to cope with these situations, such as taking deep breaths or focusing on more calming things. I chose this book because it can be a guide for children who may be sensitive to noise. This can suggest some tools to help manage their feelings and help them understand that it is okay to want quiet moments.
July 7, 2021
This book does a beautiful job of introducing a big topic in an age appropriate way. For any teacher, parent, or professional, it allows you to begin a meaningful discussion about how someone might react to stimulus in their environment. As a teacher, I love when books help you introduce topics to students so they can be more accepting and empathetic to those around them. This book does that. Bravo!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book does not disappoint!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book does not disappoint!
July 8, 2021
I was so excited to be chosen as an arc reader for When Things Get Too Loud. As someone who suffers majorly from sensory overload, I really appreciated the authenticity of Bo. Particularly how quickly one can escalate. As a 37 year old woman I feel seen, and I can only imagine what that would mean to a child. I grew up believing I was odd, so to have known there were others like me would have meant the world.
My three children enjoyed the rhyming, which is easy to read, and loved the little snail. A beautiful extra touch is the tips to help at the end. Loved it!
February 29, 2024
Is about a boy maned Bo and his experiences with sensory overload. How it feels, what can trigger it and what may help. In the book they use The Feel-O-Meter which provides a visual guide through emotions. In this book it also provides resources and strategies for coping. This story is a great resource for teachers, and families navigation sensory processing challenges. This story could be a valuable resource for my students and children's at home. I will share this with them both.
July 6, 2021
It is a good book to learn your child what to do when they get in the red zone. Its also good for the parents so they know what to do when that happens. The story rhymes so its nice to read. My child really liked this story, I got all of her attention, because of the colorful drawings. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
July 6, 2021
This is a lovely book, not only for kids/adults who get sensory overload but just in general it’s a lovely book. The drawings are very cute and crisp and my girls liked them a lot especially the snail.
The rimes make kids wanna read along and answer the last words!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The rimes make kids wanna read along and answer the last words!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 31, 2021
Me an my whole family love this book. It's not only the illustration OR story. It's the result of both, made with love and so much knowledge. We need more of this kind of children's books written by humans like Anne. Thank you so much for this. And I will shop an send a lot of this for friends and family. Very important topic <3
July 7, 2021
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
My nephew (age 6) loves this book! Especially the feel-o-meter to indicate when things get too much. He couldn’t get enough of the book so after my sister had read it to him he wanted to look through the book himself, admiring the drawings.
My nephew (age 6) loves this book! Especially the feel-o-meter to indicate when things get too much. He couldn’t get enough of the book so after my sister had read it to him he wanted to look through the book himself, admiring the drawings.
July 17, 2021
An absolutely amazing book! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My son loves it (we read it every night for a week without pause) and we use the Feel-o-meter every day when/if he can't express his mood to us.
August 30, 2021
My 2 & 3/4 yr old godson lovesssss his copy. Kept asking for more readings!
And my niblings aged 5, 7 & 10 all related to the story to some extent and had their own answers for what helps them to cope too. Illustration is beautiful as well. Great book all round!
And my niblings aged 5, 7 & 10 all related to the story to some extent and had their own answers for what helps them to cope too. Illustration is beautiful as well. Great book all round!
September 29, 2023
Fantastic idea that deeply resonates with kids who deal with sensory processing differences. But, it only earns 3 stars because the cadence is off. It's close most of the time; the places where the rhythm falters makes it feel like it needed to sit in editing longer.
November 17, 2024
This book would be best for first grade. This book is about a little boy who deals with sensory overload. A lot of kids deal with sensory overload and the ones that don't deal with it don't understand. This book will be in my classroom especially if I am in a special ed room because it can be read for the students to understand and see that other kids deal with it too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews