Wonderful illustrations give readers a glimpse into what life can feel like for kids with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent traits. One boy tries his hardest to do what is expected of him, but his brain just refuses to cooperate. Today it's a dinosaur! And tomorrow, a raging bull. Who knows what might come next? He tries to cope but sinks deeper into despair as his world feels more and more unmanageable. But his family knows how to guide him back to calmer waters. (Ages 5-8)

PreS-Gr 2–This series focuses on “own voices” storytelling, where experiences are told directly from those who have lived through them. It adds a richness to the telling, and it comes through strongly in these books. The first deals with what could be seen as ADHD, but is definitely a child who struggles with emotional regulation. Through it all, big daily emotions manifest as dinosaurs, raging bulls, or swirling hurricanes as the main character cycles through feelings. It captures the heartbreak behind lack of control, eventually resolved with family and tools to harness the feelings. Yasi and Mina’s Pomegranate Tree tackles history and world events, as it chronicles two girls living in Tehran as bombings begin. It offers an elementary-appropriate discussion of bomb shelter protocol, the effects of war, and what it feels like to emigrate for safety. VERDICT These books cover important topics from authors in the know.