IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SUNNY

A perfectly planned birthday party goes awry in this gentle story about adapting to the unexpected, written for kids on the autism spectrum.

Laila feels like her sparkly sunshine birthday celebration is on the brink of ruin when it starts to storm. Then, just as she starts feeling okay with moving her party indoors, an accident with her cake makes her want to call the whole thing off. But with the help of her mom and a little alone time with her service dog, she knows she can handle this.

Changes in routine can be hard for any kid, but especially for kids on the autism spectrum. Samantha Cotterill's fourth book in the Little Senses series provides gentle guidance along with adorable illustrations to help every kid navigate schedule changes and overwhelming social situations.

Samantha Cotterill is an illustrator and textile designer. She has written and/or illustrated many popular books for kids, including Nope. Never. Not for Me!, This Beach Is Loud!, and Can I Play Too? She created the Little Senses series because she wishes books like these were part of her own childhood. Being on the autism spectrum herself, Samantha wanted to make books that would allow kids to recognize themselves in a playful, fun, and therapeutic way. She works and resides with her family in Upstate New York.