When My Body Gets Big

When big feelings take over, some children scream, kick, cry, or shut down. This gentle, neurodivergent-affirming picture book helps them feel safe, seen, and supported-without shame or punishment.

When My Body Gets Big is a beautifully illustrated, sensory-aware story designed to support autistic, sensitive, anxious, or emotionally intense children as they navigate overwhelming feelings. Written from the perspective of a child in the middle of a meltdown, the book uses rhythmic, validating language to guide young readers-and their caregivers-through moments of dysregulation with calm and compassion.

Through poetic repetition and soothing imagery, children are reminded that they don’t need to be “fixed,” just held. The story models how to move from chaos to calm, not by demanding quiet or compliance, but through co-regulation, connection, and gentle sensory strategies.

✔️ Ideal for bedtime, classroom calm-down corners, therapy sessions, or parent-child reading rituals

✔️ Helps children identify and understand their internal experiences without labeling them as “bad”

✔️ Includes real sensory tools like deep pressure, joint compressions, weighted blankets, and safe space creation

✔️ Empowers caregivers with language that helps, not harms, during emotional moments

Perfect for children ages 3-8 who experience sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, or difficulty transitioning between activities. Whether your child is neurodivergent or simply has big feelings, this book gives them (and you) a framework to return to again and again.

Written by neurodivergent mom and children’s author Nicole Pigeon, and illustrated in a soft, calming style ideal for sensitive readers, When My Body Gets Big is more than just a story-it’s a supportive tool, a shared ritual, and a gentle bridge between parent and child in the hardest moments.

Great for fans of:

Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey
How to Be a Superhero Called Self-Control by Lauren Brukner
A Little SPOT of Emotion series by Diane Alber
My Body Sends a Signal by Natalia Maguire
What To Do When You’re Feeling Too Big Inside by Jacqueline B. Toner

Author Biography

Nicole Pigeon is a Canadian author, neurodivergent mom, and children’s mental health advocate. She writes inclusive picture books that gently support emotional regulation, sensory needs, and neurodiversity. Her stories are inspired by real-life parenting and the experiences of her autistic daughter. Nicole is also the founder of Story Seed Press, a publishing imprint focused on empowering kids through connection and compassion.Learn more at: www.storyseedpress.com