For children who find change a little tricky
When the plan in their head doesn't match real life - big feelings arrive fast.
The park is closed. The weather ruins the day. A favourite activity is cancelled. For many children - especially autistic, ADHD and sensitive children - unexpected change can bring disappointment, worry, frustration or overwhelm.
Join Otis the Otter as he learns that plans changing is not the end of the day. With gentle support, body clues, calming breaths and a little flexible thinking, a different day can still become a good day.
£10.99
Buy the Book on AmazonYou'll be taken to Amazon to complete your purchase. No payment is taken on this website.
Loved by real parents & grandparents
5-star Amazon reader reviews
“Lovely book worth its weight in gold x”
“I got this for my niece. I wished something like this was around to explain feelings when my son was little... these are amazing.”
“So relatable for my grandchildren x”
Does this feel familiar?
- Your child is fine one moment - then a cancelled plan tips everything upside down.
- Disappointment turns into shouting, tears or shutting down, and it's hard to help them recover.
- You want a calm, kind way to say “the plan changed” without a full meltdown.
A gentler way to cope when plans change
Otis the Otter is looking forward to his special day. But when things do not go to plan, his big feelings arrive very quickly.
With support from Mum, Otis learns to notice body clues, name what he feels, take calming breaths and try flexible thinking - until a different kind of day begins to feel okay too.
The story gives children a comforting character they can see themselves in, and gives grown-ups gentle words for the moments when life just doesn't follow the plan.
How this story may help
Disappointment is normal
Reassures children that feeling let down when plans change is a normal part of being human.
Practise flexible thinking
Introduces the idea that a different plan can still lead to a lovely day.
Notice body clues
Helps children spot the early signs a big feeling is building before it takes over.
Calm the feeling with breath
Shows how slow, gentle breaths can help a wobbly body settle again.
Five gentle tools inside the story
- 1
Visual Schedule
See the day in pictures so change feels less sudden.
- 2
Name Feelings
Give the disappointed feeling a name so it feels smaller.
- 3
Calm Breathing
Take slow breaths together to help the body settle.
- 4
Flexible Thinking
Look for a new way the day can still be lovely.
- 5
Body Clues
Notice the wobbles, tight tummy or busy heart early.
The tools are introduced through Otis and Mum. They are a shared language to practise together, not a promise that every change will feel easy.
Meet Otis the Otter
Otis has plans for a special day - the slide, the puddles, the big oak tree for climbing. Then everything changes.
When Plans Change is a comforting picture book for children who struggle with routine changes, cancelled plans, transitions, disappointment, anxiety or flexible thinking.
It's designed for shared reading with parents, carers and teachers who want to help children cope when life just doesn't follow the plan.
£10.99
Buy the Book on AmazonA peek inside
Inside the book
A different day can still become a good day.
A warm, encouraging story for children who find change a little tricky - and for the grown-ups helping them through it.
Big Feelings Are OK: When Plans Change
A gentle story about disappointment, flexible thinking and coping with unexpected changes.
by Nicola Ahern
£10.99
Buy the Book on Amazon