Sensitive Sam: Sam's Sensory Adventure Has a Happy Ending!

Appropriate for children, families, and professionals, this wonderful book brings to life the story of Sam, whose over-sensitivity creates chaos and frustration in his life. Sam's various sensory sensitivities adversely affect Sam's experiences, both at home and in the classroom. He walks readers through his typical day of sensory blunders (which many kids and families may find all too familiar!).

Finally, at the suggestion of Sam's teacher, his parents take Sam to see an occupational therapist. Sam describes the process in a non-threatening, child's perspective that is sure to sooth young readers who may be facing the same challenges.

With occupational therapy, a new "sensory diet," and the love and support of his family, Sam concludes:

"Treating sensory challenges

Takes some patience, and love, too.

And now I LIKE doing lots of things

I used to hate to do!"

Customer Reviews:

A note of caution...

By DS - February 9, 2010

I had high hopes for a book about SPD to read to my son. This book really means well, and it does have a happy ending. It would be good to give to family, friends or teachers to help them understand things. But I would be careful reading it to your child. SPD is such a broad thing, and poor Sam seemed to suffer from EVERY sensitivity there is. There is even a line at the beginning where he says he's mad or sad "all the time". When I read it to my son he was clearly sad and uncomfortable for the first half. He couldn't identify with several of the issues Sam faced. So I gave this 3 stars because for the right listener it would be good - I just thought it was too much for a younger child to read and sent it back.

I love this book for kids (and their parents!)

By Becky Rose - July 19, 2010

I recently purchased this book and it was a pleasant surprise. My son could relate to the way Sam felt and the sensory issues that he has. It made him feel good to see that other kids can feel that way too.

I loved that it went into the classroom and showed that it wasn't that Sam had behavior problems, he had sensory issues.

Sam works with an OT and gets a sensory diet. This book was educational while being fun with great pictures. I think it will help a lot of families understand sensory processing issues.

It's also hopeful and explains that you can help yourself and your child feel better with sensory integration. Well done!

Sensitive Sam Book Review

By Carolyn Donahue - December 11, 2011

Sensitive Sam

Marla Roth-Fisch

2009
Future Horizons, Inc.

Sensitive Sam is a cute little book about a little boy with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Every page consists of a quatrain describing events in the life of a child who is having trouble dealing with things which don't bother most people. Mrs. Roth-Fisch completes the book with her excellent illustrations of Sam as he deals with dressing, eating, and going to school. Sam begins working with an occupational therapist, and with some changes in his routine at home and school, he is soon learning to grow and learn in school.

This book is excellent on several levels. First, it could help the child with SPD see that others have the same challenges, and that they can be overcome. Second, this book could help explain to other children in Sam's family - or class - what SPD is, and how they could help their sibling or friend. This book will help all children understand that SPD... read more