Picky the Panda and the Tickly Tail

A beautiful tale about a tickly tail, with important lessons to embrace our sensory differences and big feelings, practice empathy toward others, and recharge when life feels overwhelming.

Picky the Panda is relatable for any child, and especially so for children with tactile or clothing sensitivity, auditory defensiveness, those who become easily overwhelmed or experience big feelings, and those who are highly sensitive or who are working on becoming more empathetic.

Meet Picky – a highly sensitive panda bear who feels things more intensely than her classmates. Whether it's the sight of ants working, the feeling of her uncomfortable socks or itchy clothing tags, or the sound of a chip bag opening, Picky is highly attuned to the sights and sounds around her. She is also extremely brave, imaginative, courageous, and empathetic. While Picky’s powerful senses often cause her tail to tickle (the first sign of a meltdown), she is reminded by a special teacher that when things feel overwhelming, sometimes less is more. Once she has a chance to reset, Picky and her friends discover that her beautiful and caring heart is the most sensitive part about her.

Picky the Panda is the first book in the series "The Big Feelings Friends," or the BFF! Look out for the other books in the series, Bobby the Snake and the Broken TV and Squeaky Kiki!

This book is dedicated to my daughter Skylar, who has sensory processing disorder, and is the strongest and most sensitive little girl I know. I hope this story will remind both children and parents that they are strong, special, and supported, even while navigating a noisy, itchy, bright, and increasingly chaotic world.