This Beach Is Loud!: questions to ask and activities to try
A day at the beach should be fun, but the sights, sounds and sensations get too much. This Beach Is Loud! shows a child moving through sensory overwhelm with his dad's help.
What age is it for? This Beach Is Loud! is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Sensory overwhelm and busy environments.
This Beach Is Loud! (Samantha Cotterill)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Sensory overwhelm and busy environments
The strategies in the story are one family's approach, not a treatment. Use it to notice what overwhelm looks like for your child, and what helps: a quiet moment, a familiar phrase, a plan for busy places.
What it helps with
- Sensory overwhelm in busy places
- Planning for noisy or crowded days out
- Simple calming strategies
- Telling a grown-up when it's too much
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What could make this place feel easier?”
- “What was too loud or too much at the beach?”
- “What did his dad do that helped?”
- “Which places feel too busy for you?”
- “What helps you feel calm when it's noisy?”
- “What could you do or say when you need a break?”
5-minute activities to try together
A quiet-moment signal
Next time somewhere feels noisy, agree a simple signal your child can use to say they need a quiet moment.
Pack a calm bag
Choose together what goes in a small bag for busy days: ear defenders, a favourite small toy, a snack. Practise using it at home first.
Free printables: This Beach Is Loud! worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
A Friend for Henry (Jenn Bailey)
- Best for
- Autism, friendship and sensory/social differences
- Age
- 4-8
Stick Man (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Missing home or family, and being away from people you love
- Age
- 3-6
The Rabbit Listened (Cori Doerrfeld)
- Best for
- Sitting with difficult feelings
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.