Stories with a Difference: Children's Books About ADHD & Neurodiversity

The most useful children's books about ADHD let a child see themselves in the main character and give the adult practical ideas to try. Curious Bee Books' Stories with a Difference series does both. Belinda, an Emotional Wellbeing Therapist who has studied neurodivergence, ADHD and autism, wrote the books. They cover ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety and big feelings, and are written for around ages 5 to 11.

All children are unique. Each has their own talent. Difference is a gift.

Children's books about ADHD for ages 5 to 11

Children read differently when the story is about someone like them.

A child who struggles to focus, sit still or stay organised often hears what they are doing wrong. A story changes that. The main character has the same struggles, and the book treats them as part of who the character is, not as a fault. The Children's series is written for around ages 5 to 11. Each story comes with tips, tools and ideas that adults also find useful. The books are designed to be shared. An adult reads with the child, and the story becomes a discussion starter for both. The stories aim to normalise diversity, build self-confidence and promote understanding between neurodiverse and neurotypical children. Although they are written as stories, the books are informative and educational. They contain practical advice, so they work as children's books for adults too.

How do stories help kids explore focus, attention and big feelings?

A story lets a child talk about a feeling without having to say "this is about me." A child can say a character felt worried, or struggled to settle, long before they can describe their own day. That makes a story a safe place to start. The adult can pause and ask: "Has that ever happened to you?" "What do you think the character could try next?" "What helped?" The tips and tools are woven into the story itself, so the child picks them up as the plot moves. The adult gets ideas to use afterwards, at home or in the classroom. Curious Bee Books lists these topics across its books: ADHD, dyslexia, autism, neurodiversity, anxiety, anger, depression, emotions, self esteem, confidence and neurodiversity.

Where to buy picture books about autism for kids

Start with the books that name autism among the topics they help with, then ask about the right fit. Curious Bee Books lists autism alongside ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety and neurodiversity. The stories are designed to promote understanding and acceptance among neurodiverse and neurotypical children alike. That makes them useful in a family, but also in a classroom where children think and feel in different ways. Browse the range at curiousbeebooks.com. If you are not sure which book suits your child, email hello@CuriousBeeBooks.com or phone 07485 120 444.

Picture books featuring dyslexic characters and emotional regulation

Dyslexia and big feelings are both covered in the series. The range includes books on dyslexia. A therapist who reviewed one called it a "must-read" for anyone who has or works with a child with diagnosed or undiagnosed dyslexia. Her words: it "can be used with any child, to understand others and to also find their own strengths." For emotional regulation, the books deal with anxiety, anger, sadness and depression, low self-esteem and confidence. One parent wrote that the book was a "lovely story, but with so much information about anxiety that the whole family learned something." That is the aim. The child gets the story and the adult gets the explanation.

What about teenagers?

The teen series, Stories with a Purpose, tells the stories teenagers do not always have words for. Each book follows a young person dealing with an invisible struggle. These include never feeling good enough, the noise that drowns out learning, the storms of anxiety and low mood, and the glitches in how a brain processes the world. As in the children's books, tips and tools are woven into the stories.

How to choose storybooks for kids with ADHD

Pick a story your child will recognise, then check that it gives you something to do next. Use this checklist: 1. Check the age range. The Children's series is written for around ages 5 to 11. Teenagers have their own series. 2. Look for a main character who struggles without being "the problem." The story should show difference as a strength. 3. Check for practical tips and tools. A good book gives adults something to try, not only a feeling to recognise. 4. Check who wrote it. Belinda is an Emotional Wellbeing Therapist who has studied neurodivergence, ADHD and autism. 5. Plan to read it together. The books are designed to be shared by an adult and child. 6. Match the topic to the need. ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia and anger each have their own focus. Read the story once for enjoyment. Come back to it later for the tips, which is how the books are meant to be used.

Parent activity packs and school learning resources

The books come with extra material for homes and classrooms. The Children's series is for children around ages 5 to 11 and the adults who read with them, with stories, tips, tools and ideas. The Teen series is for teenagers, parents and teachers, with stories with tips and tools woven in. Parent activity packs are for parents and include book guidance plus colouring and activities. School resources are for teachers and include key themes, lesson plans, PowerPoints, teen worksheets and neurodiversity information. A teacher who reviewed one of the books said it has "several layers" and "opportunities for learning," and is "one to return to time and again." The books are made for children, families, teachers, therapists and anyone working with children.

Contact Curious Bee Books in Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Questions about which book to start with, the activity packs or the school resources? Get in touch. Email: hello@CuriousBeeBooks.com. Phone: 07485 120 444. Location: Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Website: curiousbeebooks.com. Follow Curious Bee Books on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

FAQ

What are the best children's books about ADHD and neurodiversity?

The best ones let a child see themselves in the story and give adults practical ideas. Curious Bee Books' Stories with a Difference series covers neurodiversity, ADHD, dyslexia and anxiety. It is written for around ages 5 to 11, with tips, tools and ideas adults find useful too.

Where can I buy picture books about autism for kids?

Curious Bee Books lists autism among the topics its books help with. Browse curiousbeebooks.com, or email hello@CuriousBeeBooks.com or phone 07485 120 444 to ask which book suits your child.

Are there children's picture books featuring dyslexic characters?

Curious Bee Books includes dyslexia among its topics. A therapist reviewer described one of its books as a "must-read" for anyone who has or works with a child with diagnosed or undiagnosed dyslexia.

Are there picture books that explain emotional regulation to kids?

Yes. The stories cover anxiety, anger, sadness, low self-esteem, confidence and emotions in language children can follow. The tips and tools are woven into the stories, so adults can use them afterwards.

How do I choose storybooks for kids with ADHD?

Check the age range, look for a main character who is shown with strengths, and choose a book with practical tips for adults. Read it together and use it as a discussion starter. Belinda's books are written for that purpose.

Who writes the books?

Belinda, an Emotional Wellbeing Therapist who has studied neurodivergence, ADHD and autism.

Are the books only for children?

No. They are designed to be shared by adults with children, and they contain advice and tips for adults too. They are described as children's books for adults too.

Is there anything for parents and teachers besides the books?

Yes. Parent activity packs include book guidance plus colouring and activities. School resources include key themes, lesson plans, PowerPoints, teen worksheets and neurodiversity information.

Are there books for teenagers?

Yes. The Stories with a Purpose series is written for teenagers. Tips and tools are woven into both the children's and the teen stories.