Granted, our days are extraordinarily challenging, but sometimes reading a book that makes you reflect or think about a different perspective about special needs parenting is just the soul food you need and have been craving.

Here are ten great special needs books that you can curl up to on a cold winter's day:

By Andrew Wilson and Rachel Wilson

A book written from the perspective of parents who have two children who have special needs.  A book that leans to a spiritual awakening and with religious beliefs a guide towards acceptance and grace for the things you cannot change.

The book offers wisdom in parenting two children living with Autism, the unwavering hope, the realistic and raw emotions and challenges, and the faith that tomorrow will be better and stronger.

The book offers as a guide as to what churches in your community should do, while being open and candid about the everyday frustrations and feelings that come along with parenting children who have special needs.

This book is very much rooted in biblical tone, yet candidly offers a genuine and heartfelt experience of both the joy and sadness that is associated with having a child with special needs.

It is heart-warming, emotional and relatable.

The Pocket Occupational Therapist for Families of Children with Special Needs by Cara Koscinski

 A great book for parents who are new to therapies for their child with special needs who are looking to learn more about occupational therapy goals and tasks.

The book aims to assist parents with various questions as to how to find a good OT therapist, what home goals should look like, and resources that are available to better assist your child in a therapeutic setting.

The book is also a fantastic reference guide even for the more OT experienced parent.

You Will Dream New Dreams:  Inspiring Stories by Parents of Children with Disabilities by Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D.

This book address some of the more taboo or harder side to decision making when it comes to children with disabilities.

The book contains chapters on a parent's decision to place their child in a group home, and a parent's struggle to acceptance and coming to terms with the severe nature of their child's disability.

A great read for a parent that is struggling with feeling overwhelmed, alone or on emotional overload as a result of their child's diagnosis and ongoing needs.

The Elephant in the Playroom by Denise Brodey

A book of heartfelt stories shared by other parents who have children with special needs.

It gives a raw and honest account of both the joys and the challenges with special needs parenting.  A book that is a bit more light-hearted in its approach.

Views from Our Shoes by Donald Joseph Meyer and Cary Pillo

A great book that shares the stories of 45 brothers and sisters to siblings who have special needs.

The book contains a series of essays from an age group of four years old to eighteen years old and their perspective and experiences having a sibling with special needs.

The essays are candid and honest about their feelings from the very good to the very bad - but with a universal theme of love, compassion and ultimate understanding for their sibling with special needs.

If you are struggling with a sibling dynamic this would be an interesting read.

Schuyler's Monster by Robert Rummel-Hudson

This book is written from a father's perspective about the challenges of raising a non-verbal daughter.

A father's love, devotion, and feelings no less important and it is refreshing to have a father discuss feelings related to a child with significant disabilities and special needs.

It touches upon a father's self-doubt about his potential shortcomings in relation to parenting a child that had no voice of her own and his feelings of being inadequate to fulfil her needs.

Uncommon Beauty: Crisis Parenting from Day One by Margaret Meader

A book written by a mother to a child who has special needs, the book offers tips and guidance on how to navigate the system, be the best and strongest advocate for your child that you can possibly be, dealing with the harsh realities of financial hardships, and juggling endless hospital and therapy appointments.

It is a book that empowers parents to be the very best that they can be given the multitude of challenges that they are facing.

A great "go-get'em" book that will serve as inspiration and fuel to keep marching forward.

Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult

A book about having a child with the diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta, (or more commonly known as brittle bone disease, OI).

Although based as fiction, the author does a relatively decent job describing some of the heart wrenching thoughts and emotions that are associated with a child who has a severe and even in some cases a life-limiting condition.

It touches on the theme of what constitutes a life worth living, the value of a life and what you'll do as a parent to move heaven and earth to provide the best life possible.

They Say I'm Special:  100 Tips for Raising a Happy and Resilient Child with Special Needs by Frances Vidakovic

This book offers perspective and tips on raising a child with special needs who is resilient along with special needs parenting coping strategies.

The book aims to be a self-help guide on assisting your child with the most independence and best future you can offer them with their own special needs.

Refresh:  Spiritual Nourishment for Parents of Children with Special Needs by Kimberly M. Drew and Jocelyn Green

This book is packed with comfort, hope and faith.  It is a devotional book that aims to encourage parents who have children with special needs.  To let them know they are not alone on the journey.

The book offers spiritual truths, scriptures, stories and testimonies from other parents.

The book also explores the theme of a deeper understanding of all the personal lessons that come as a result of having a child with special needs.

Curl up next to a warm fire with a good read and tell us all about it!