Grandma Teaches Sensory-Sensitive Child About his Superpowers in New Kids’ Book
In the newly released book, Bash and Lucy Say, “Love, Love Bark!” sensory-sensitive Bash struggles with loud noises, strong smells and emotional sensitivity. He can smell what his friends ate for breakfast, and that often makes him feel nauseous.
But his Grandma Vera, an immigrant from Ukraine, trains him to make the most of his sensitivities in ways that make them superpowers. That makes Bash’s friends jealous. They want to have superpowers like Bash. This is especially true of James, who bullies Bash by scratching his skin or banging pans next to his ears.
At the beginning of the book, someone steals Bash’s favorite dog books, books that calm him when his world is too loud, too noisy or too busy.
Vera, Bash and Bash’s dog, Lucy, work to solve the mystery of the missing dog books and are joined by James. Along the way, Bash realizes that James, too, has sensory sensitivities. And James isn’t just a bully. He’s smart and thoughtful, and always asks great questions, Bash realizes.
Over the course of the book, Bash and James become friends. Bash is thrilled because he no longer feels so alone.
In an interview, Michael (who is 14) and I can discuss:
- Why it’s important to include sensory-sensitive characters in children’s books
- Why the Bash and Lucy book series features a sensory-sensitive kid
- Why it’s important for kids to have a Vera in their lives–someone who accepts them no matter what, and teaches them to make the most of their sensitivities.
Watch Michael and Moira talk about their sensory issues in this video created when they were 9 years old:
Learn more about the book on Amazon.
A review on Amazon:
A loving tribute to our canine heroes that masterfully weaves fantasy and much needed empathy. Who wouldn’t want a sister like Ally, a grandmother like Vera, and a dog like Lucy? This book will appeal to kids and adults with sensory challenges and anyone who thinks we should listen and love like our four-legged friends.
A good book to read to elementary aged students.
For more information, contact Lisa Cohn at BashAndLucy@gmail.com