Review: My Busy Brain by Natalie Shaw

My Busy Brain is a wonderful picture book that not only explains an ADHD busy brain but celebrates it.

Meet Max, he has a busy brain which likes to think of lots of things at once. It can be lots of fun but it can also be confusing.

Written & illustrated by Natalie Shaw

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 26th February 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 24

RRP: $19.99AU (softcover)

Source: courtesy of the author

I loved the analogy Natalie has used in the book, of tiny cars racing around and sending messages around the brain and body.

Max's brain is so busy he forgets what he is meant to be doing. Sometimes he tries to slow down those busy cars and it can be really hard.

My Busy Brain explains that frustration is normal and if your busy brain is affecting how you function and feel there are lots of ways to help you through each day. Things like working together with family and teachers, making a routine chart or taking a prescribed  medication.

Max explains how his medication affects his brain and helps him to be calm and learn at school.

My Busy Brain is the perfect story for children diagnosed with ADHD and their carers.

I love Natalie Shaw's super simple, adorable and childlike illustrations using stick figures, which absolutely, perfectly suit this little book as it is narrated by Max and this is exactly how I imagine Max would draw the pictures.

My Busy Brain gives children a gentle way to learn about ADHD and many a child will see themselves in Max and discover that their busy brain is something to be celebrated

If you have a child with ADHD My Busy Brain explains everything on a child's level that is easy for them to take in and understand. Reading the book together opens up an avenue for discussion.

My rating 5 / 5 🧠🧠🧠🧠🧠

Recommended age: 4 - 9 years

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