More than anything, Lucas wants to enjoy birthday parties like his friends... but he is overwhelmed by all of the sights, sounds and sensations that come with celebrations. A story that focuses on sensory overload within children, and the anxiety surrounding it.

"An empathetic picture book about being a little bit different."--Kirkus Reviews More than anything, Lucas wants to enjoy birthday parties like his friends... but he is overwhelmed by all of the sights, sounds and sensations that come with celebrations. When he gets invited to a birthday party for his friend, he makes a brave plan to join in, thinking that he should act like everyone else. But when his plan fails, a new friend teaches him that there is more than one way to enjoy a birthday party... and that's perfectly fine. *** Lucas was a boy who did not like birthday parties. He couldn't really explain it, but something about birthday parties made his insides go all squooshy, gooshy and his brain feel squiggly, wiggly. Children with high sensitivity or neurodevelopmental challenges often experience sensory overload, which means they find loud noises, busy places, and too many people overwhelming. It can be very stressful for the children, causing them to feel excluded, and anxious about new places or events. This wonderful book addresses these issues in a helpful and positive way by telling the story of Lucas, who doesn't like birthday parties, but discovers a way to celebrate that makes him feel comfortable and secure. The story helps children and their parents make sense of overwhelming feelings and overstimulation, by normalizing such experiences and acknowledging that different needs are always valid. - Lauren Callaghan, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Poet Eric Ode has created a hilarious read-aloud about the town of Mossy Pockets and the birthday party the residents throw for reluctant Bigfoot. Internal rhyme gives the growing lists of people, instruments, pies, and animals a delightful momentum. The party excitement builds until it all comes to a pie-smashing disaster.

It's not easy being an introverted kid in an extroverted town. Hunter Grayson is a 14-year-old boy who enjoys doing things by himself and hates being the center of attention. He has always felt different from his outgoing family and his chatty classmates, but he doesn't understand why. Now he's about to enter high school and he's terrified. Lucky for him, he quickly befriends Ariana, an adventurous girl with confidence to spare, and Ty, a rising football star with a kind soul and a warm smile. Together, they will embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance as they navigate the complicated waters of adolescence. Throughout his freshman year, Hunter will learn to overcome his self-esteem issues and embrace his introversion. Instead of changing, like everyone tells him to do, Hunter will learn that there's nothing wrong with being the quiet, reflective kid who likes spending time by himself. Introverted Me is a coming-of-age story about acceptance, friendship, and self-love. This is a book for anyone who has ever felt like there's something wrong with them because of their quiet nature and who feel like they have to change in order to fit in and please those around them.

My birthday is 5 months, 3 weeks, 2 days, and 8 hours away. Today I'm starting to plan my party. So what if the Big Day's not exactly around the corner? This little girl is planning her party now. She has to, if she wants to have the best birthday party ever. She'll have the tallest birthday cake in the world, plus camels, elephants, a ferris wheel (of course), and a castle . . . with a moat. Kids will laugh out loud at the girl's wild plans, and love the oh-so-sweet ending, which involves a modest but fun party. Jennifer LaRue Huget and LeUyen Pham brilliantly capture what it feels like to be the Birthday Girl—a feeling many children will relate to.

Sloth plans a birthday party but is afraid no one will come because they don't like his messy house.

Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Join Papa, Mama, and Brother, as they help Sister celebrate her birthday. The special day is not all fun and games when Sister becomes overwhelmed by all of the festivities. This beloved story is a perfect way to teach children about birthdays and what’s most important about them.