In the picture book Sensitive by Sara Levine and illustrated by Meherdokht Amini (Carlrhoda Books, October 2023), an unnamed girl hears complaints against her about her being too sensitive, “thin skinned,” and over-reactive. In the illustrations, which are done in a variety of media, these words from others slip through her “thin skin” and crowd into the outlines of her body. Her frustration and upset is illustrated by dark colors and pastel pencil scribbles. In the end, she finds she needs to let other people’s words out so she can find space for her own thoughts and for joy within herself. She does so by writing out what people say to her and using those same letters, plus some of her own, to write a new, positive message to herself.
Sensitive emphasizes the impact of other’s words, and shows a young child learning to deal with the mental effects of those words. In the peaceful resolution, the previously harsh pastel pencil textures and colors are replaced by gentle blues, greens, and so forth, with carefully shaped collage papers and intentional pastel pencil strokes. The girl’s outline is no longer filled with the words she’s heard but rather the word “joy.” She has learned to reframe her sensitivity into a positive quality, an important message for young children in this word full of noise and contention. Sensitive would be a strong book for teaching these social-emotional concepts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
