Make it All Go Away

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Pub Date 30 Sep 2025 | Archive Date Not set
Moon + Bird | Moon & Bird

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Description

An inclusive, vibrant picture book told in verse about a 7-year-old girl with sensory overload; a perfect introduction as to why neurodivergent loved ones sometimes get overwhelmed.

Join Melodie on a day out with her family as she gets overwhelmed with horrible smells, sights, sounds, tastes and textures.

This is a heartwarming story that follows Melodie as she visits the pungent market, noisy public bathroom, overwhelming restaurant that serves mushy vegetables, too brightly-lit mall and more. As she gets progressively more overwhelmed and upset, join her as she taps her nose and moves in circles to calm herself down, before returning home and relaxing in her safe space.

Inspired by the author's daughter's experiences of sensory overload, this gentle rhyming picture book explores what a child with sensory issues experiences. With vibrant, stunning illustrations from Taylor Barron, this story ensures that children aged 4–8 who also experience sensory overload can feel represented, and neurotypical children can be introduced to why their friends and family sometimes get overwhelmed. At the back of the book, there is an informative spread on sensory overload.
An inclusive, vibrant picture book told in verse about a 7-year-old girl with sensory overload; a perfect introduction as to why neurodivergent loved ones sometimes get overwhelmed.

Join Melodie on a...

Advance Praise

"Make it All Go Away is such a wonderful and much-needed book to help educate children and parents in gaining more compassion and understanding for those with sensory overload, and what they experience on a day to day basis. The back matter is very helpful in further understanding of the words used to help children in dealing with sensitivity issues. The rhythmic text and colorful illustrations make this a fun read and would be a great addition to your social-emotional learning book collection! 

– Phyllis Harris, Author-Illustrator of The Gift Shop Bear


"Thoughtfully told and timely, Make It All Go Away provides profound insight and encourages empathy, all through playful prose and rich, captivating illustrations. I have no doubt it will bring encouragement, hope, and helpful information to countless families.”

– Allie Millington, author of US bestseller Olivetti


"A lovely and needed book! The beautiful, soft artwork and expressive rhymes resonated deeply with this neurodivergent reader. Docherty eloquently evokes a child's world of sensory overwhelm.”

– Sally J. Pla, ALA-award-winning author of The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn and neurodiversity advocate


"This is a beautiful story that gently explores what sensory overload is and how to mitigate it. I can think of so many uses for Make it All Go Away from helping neurodiverse children understand why they might experience the world around them differently, to helping their neurotypical peers (and grown ups) gain more insight and compassion into sensory overload."

– Naomi Jones, award-winning author of Thunderboots and The Perfect Fit 


"With kid-friendly text and vibrant art, Make It All Go Away thoughtfully captures a child’s experience with sensory overload. I especially appreciate how the main character takes stock of coping techniques that are useful to her and acknowledges that the masking of emotions and behaviors generally leads to even more stress and exhaustion. This is a validating book for anyone with sensory processing challenges and an illuminating one for family members, educators, and peers."

– Lisa Varchol Perron, psychotherapist and children's author of My Love for You



"Make it All Go Away is such a wonderful and much-needed book to help educate children and parents in gaining more compassion and understanding for those with sensory overload, and what they...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781917194075
PRICE US$18.95 (USD)
PAGES 32

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Average rating from 12 members


Featured Reviews

A heartwarming and informative story about sensory overload and managing your feelings.
I really liked this picture book, and I think that it is a really important topic that I haven't seen frequently addressed with such clear and precise language in an elementary appropriate book. Both kids and adults alike can experience sensory overload for a variety of reasons, and having books like this that discuss and normalize the feelings of these experiences is really important. This book could be a great social emotional tool to have as a read aloud when discussing calming strategies, and to start discussions with students around empathy towards others who may stim. The back matter of this book was used really well, and add to the ability of this book to be used as a social emotional tool. The illustrations are also super colorful, and almost add to the feeling of overwhelm that the main character is feeling throughout her day.

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This is a GORGEOUS, incredible, new picture book about Melodie, a young neurodiverse child going about her day and the many things that cause her sensory overload. Told with rhymes and beautiful illustrations featuring a number of diverse characters, this story touches upon stimming, masking and different coping strategies that help her turn difficult days into better ones.

HIGHLY recommended for parents with neurodivergent children. Especially helpful is the notes section at the end of the book that explains a little more about the various aspects of sensory overload. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!! A MUST read and necessary addition for school/public libraries!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very sweet way to help young kids recognize sensory overload in themselves and others. They use positive language and provide real examples of when and why someone may experience sensory overload as well as ways (stims) in which some people might calm themselves. As a parent and a kindergarten teacher this will be a welcome book for home and school.

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Books like these make me realize we need mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. This book is for all the kids with sensory issues and neurodivergence and everyone without. Great suggestions and examples of coping strategies. I like that words such as "stims," "mask," "sensory overload" - they are also explained in the back of the book. Female presenting main character with brown skin.

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A vibrantly illustrated and beautifully gentle look at how sensory overload can affect someone in their day-to-day life. We explore each of the senses and how seemingly simple sensations, from the smell of fish to a bright fluorescent light, can completely change the mood of a neurodivergent kiddo. But, as the author shows us, it doesn't have to completely ruin their day! By understanding her triggers/reactions, stimming, and taking breaks, our young protagonist is able to more easily cope with the overwhelming sensations and focus on all the things that *do* make her feel happy and comfortable.

Whether the reader experiences sensory overload or not, this is a great way to encourage empathy with the struggles of others -- even if they seem barely noticeable to someone else!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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A book about Melodie, who experiences sensory overload. It goes through what it feels like to her and how she copes. As someone who experiences sensory overload, I really appreciated this book! I wish this had been around when I was a child because it would have helped me understand things so much better. Definitely would recommend!

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This cute book is a great way to explain sensory sensitivity to all types of audience, from neurodivergent kids trying to find the words to explain themselves to people around these kids who need a connection to the specific feelings. The artwork is lively as well.

All in all a great read and I hope, as it's published, it reaches the tiny sensory seekers and avoiders to help them see themselves on it.

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