Picky, Picky Pete by Michele Griffin ~ A Review

Great book to read to your own family
and to be read to a whole class.

Picky, Picky Pete ~ A Boy and His Sensory Challenges ~ 2010 Book of the Year Award by Creative Child Magazine ~
The 48 page paperback is beautifully illustrated and written by Michele Griffin an occupational therapist. It is another great picture book for all families coping with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and for all who want to learn more about SPD.

The reader will quickly grow aware of the difficulties Pete and his mom must face each morning just to get ‘extra-sensitive’ Pete ready for school. The class in the photo, taken at Pasadena Elementary School in April 2010, surely understood the challenges faced by their friends with SPD much better after their guest author shared Pete's story with them.

The expressions on her characters’ faces and their conversations allow us to feel the frustrations, pain and love that flows between mother and child. After their trying morning and when Pete is finally in the school bus he says to his mom:

“I love you, Mom…morning , day, and night.

I am sorry when I start to fight.”

Many parents will relate to the mom as a tear rolls down her cheek as she waves to Pete… one more morning over…how many more like this?

Pasadena Elementary School in April 2010

Written in easy to read language for beginner readers, the words flow along with many rhyming couplets:

“Put on my socks! Put on my shoes!

Grass and sand give me the blues!

But make sure that they are on just right,

Seams in place and not too tight.”

To facilitate comprehension and read-alouds, Pete’s word’s are written in RED, his mother’s in PURPLE, and the narration in BLUE.

Teachers and parents will want to have this wonderful book to share with their children. The last pages have convenient resource lists of web sites, similar books dealing with Sensory Processing Disorder and catalogue companies that provide products for kids with Special Needs.

Michele Griffen is both
author and illustrator  

About the author:

Michele Griffin was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences and her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy.

From her site, Michelle tells us her own three children, along with her prior treatment experience as an occupational therapist, often inspire her to create new books, activities, or projects for children. Knowing her books will be used to help children and parents cope during challenging times is often what fuels her writing. She’s also particularly interested in creating fun things that enhance sensory and fine motor development in children.

I am sure, like Michele says, these books will help foster communication, tolerance and understanding between parents and children with sensory processing disorder.

Do you know of other resources for parents looking for SPD information?

Read post on 2010 Book of the Year Award  here
Picky, Picky Pete by Michele Griffin, OT 
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 48
Price: $14.95
Purchase: http://www.sensoryworld.com/childrensbooks.html