Make it All Go Away

Ages 4 to 8

An inclusive, vibrant picture book told in verse about a 7-year-old girl with sensory overload; a perfect introduction as to why neurodivergent loved ones sometimes get overwhelmed.

Join Melodie on a day out with her family as she gets overwhelmed with horrible smells, sights, sounds, tastes and textures.

This is a heartwarming story that follows Melodie as she visits the pungent market, noisy public bathroom, overwhelming restaurant that serves mushy vegetables, too brightly-lit mall and more. As she gets progressively more overwhelmed and upset, join her as she taps her nose and moves in circles to calm herself down, before returning home and relaxing in her safe space.

Inspired by the author's daughter's experiences of sensory overload, this gentle rhyming picture book explores what a child with sensory issues experiences. With vibrant, stunning illustrations from Taylor Barron, this story ensures that children aged 4–8 who also experience sensory overload can feel represented, and neurotypical children can be introduced to why their friends and family sometimes get overwhelmed. At the back of the book, there is an informative spread on sensory overload.

About the Author

Helen Docherty is an award-winning children’s writer based in the UK. Her previous books include The Snatchabook, The Storybook Knight, Someone Just Like You, The Bee Who Loved Words, The Screen Thief, All The Things We Carry and more. Helen has helped many disadvantaged young people create their own books through her work with community projects in her hometown of Swansea, Wales, including Best Start and Storyopolis, a non-profit children's literacy project. Her books have been translated into 27 languages.

Author Residence: Swansea, Wales

Taylor Barron is an artist and illustrator who spends her time between Seattle, USA and Paris, France. She specializes in children’s books, murals, editorial work, and character design. Taylor has a passion for activism and feels that using her art to communicate about these messages is important. Themes of feminism, environmentalism, mental health and neurodivergence often appear in her work. Her previous books include How Are You, Verity?, On the Bright Side and Your Life Matters.

Illustrator Residence:Moves between Paris and Seattle