Payton is Afraid of Dirt - a bookwrap

What is OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves unwanted and disturbing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that intrude into a child/teen's mind and cause a great deal of anxiety or discomfort, which the child/teen then tries to reduce by engaging in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).

Unwrapping

"Payton is Afraid of Dirt"

Authored by Shanna Simpson

Illustrated by Idmary Hernandez

Ages 6-11

Grade Levels: K-6

Unwrapping some illustrations for you to peek at

About the book

This book is narrated by Payton, a small boy who is diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). 

He finds himself not wanting to go outside to play but staying cooped up inside his home cleaning his room, his toys, and his hands incessantly... over and over again.  His mind dictates to him that he may get sick from all the dirt and germs surrounding him. This continual mind-attack keeps him in worry-mode.  His OCD bosses him around all day and forces him to stay isolated from the things and people he loves because he feels he must constantly be fighting a war on dirt.

He is unable to understand his obsessive behaviour and pleads with his parents to help make it stop. He desperately wants to know what is happening to him.  Wisely they take him to a family psychiatrist, Dr. LaBock, who is kind and understands exactly what Payton is experiencing.

The gentle knowledgeable doctor teaches Payton that he is not alone in this fight.  Both he and Payton's loving family are there for support.  He tells Payton that other kids have OCD also so he's not alone.  He discusses his diagnosis with both Payton and his mother and gives them strategies to help fight, control and conquer this daily battle of what is going on inside of him.    

The author is very qualified to deal with this topic as she too was diagnosed with OCD when she was very young and can relate to Payton's anguish and his desire to be healed.  

The illustrations are expressive and colorful, enriching the author's message that she is conveying to her young readers.  The story is very child-friendly and relatable to other children who may be suffering with OCD symptoms as well.  This book is a wonderful tool to share and gives both child and parent an opportunity to discuss ways to support each other at such a time as this. A copy would be a wonderful addition to any classroom or elementary school library. 

Storywraps Rating -  5 HUGS!!!!!

Introducing the author 

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