Lucy and the School Helper

Reach for this book when your child returns from school feeling 'brittle,' overstimulated, or emotionally exhausted by the sensory demands of the classroom. It is particularly valuable for children who struggle with the transition from the high-energy school environment to the quiet of home, or those who find the hum of fluorescent lights and the rush of hallways overwhelming. The story follows Lucy, a young girl whose sensory sensitivities make the school day feel like a race she cannot win, until she connects with Honey, a gentle school therapy dog. Through Lucy's journey, the book introduces practical self-regulation tools like grounding exercises, intentional breathing, and creative art as a therapeutic outlet. Ideal for children ages 4 to 9, this story moves beyond mere empathy to offer a toolkit for emotional well-being. It normalizes the experience of being highly sensitive or neurodivergent, providing a roadmap for how children can advocate for their needs and find their calm in a busy world. Parents will appreciate the clear modeling of adult-child-animal connection as a source of safety and confidence.