The Brain Forest [Large Print]

By Sandhya Menon

Book Overview

Inclusion? That's a story for all of us.

In the words of Simon Wiggle, "I just love the concept of different brains because it normalises everything".

The Brain Forest is a fun and engaging children's book written by neurodivergent child psychologist Sandhya Menon that teaches children about neurodiversity, including neurotypical brains, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and more-in language that builds understanding without pathologizing difference. Unlike books that focus only on "acceptance," The Brain Forest acknowledges real challenges while centering strengths, helping children develop positive neurodivergent identity from an early age.

Parents report that this made starting a conversation about diagnosis so much easier due to the neutrality of this book, where children self identify and go "THAT'S ME ".

The Brain Forest has become an integral conversation-starter all around the world on building awareness of differences and building an inclusive, strengths-based society from a young age.

Through gentle storytelling and stunning illustrations, follow a mother and son as they discover the many ways brains can grow: some fast, some slow, some that love routine, and some that say NO

Ideal for:

Parents explaining their neurodivergence to children (ages 5-10)Parents talking about neurodiversity to build awareness in children (aged 5 to 10)Educators building inclusive classroomsTherapists and psychologists working with neurodivergent kidsFamilies seeking positive identity-building resourcesAnyone wanting to teach children about brain differences with compassion and accuracy

• Format: Hardcover
• Large Print: Yes
• Language: English
• ISBN: 064685609X
• ISBN13: 9780646856094
• Release Date: April 2022
• Publisher: Onwards and Upwards Psychology
• Length: 36 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.3" x 10.8"
• Age Range: 6 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 3

Customer Reviews

Immediately made sense to my child and without stigma

I love this book. It’s such a simple and positive introduction to neurodivergence. I was struggling to figure out how to talk to my son about his diagnosis that would create understanding and not trigger shame or a sense of being problematically different. As we read he was calmer than he had been in any other conversation that we’ve had around the subject. At some point I pointed to a tree and said this is my kind of brain brain. Without anxiety he pointed to another and said this is mine. It was so heartwarming. I’m so glad this book exists. I’m ordering another copy for a friend.