Arnie and His School Tools

Arnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions to Build Success is an illustrated children's book about an exuberant little boy who had difficulty paying attention in class and doing his school work until he was equipped with the tools to accommodate his sensory needs. Written from Arnie's point of view, the book uses simple language to describe some of the sensory tools and strategies he uses at school and home to help him achieve a more optimal level of alertness and performance. Arnie and His School Tools creates an environment that is accepting of students with sensory modulation difficulties, including many on the autism spectrum. Occupational therapists, teachers and parents will find this book an engaging way to introduce elementary students to basic sensory tools used to help children focus in classroom settings, such as fidgets, chewy pencil toppers, and weighted vests.

Jennifer Veenendall is a school-based occupational therapist in West St. Paul, Minnesota. She works with students with a wide range of abilities and is especially passionate about creating learning environments that meet students' individual sensory processing needs. Jennifer received her occupational therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master's in human development from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. She lives in Hudson, Wisconsin, with her husband, Scott, and their two children, Anna and Benjamin. When she is not working, Jennifer enjoys spending family time at their cabin as well as drawing and painting.