Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes explains sensory-challenged children’s behavior

Posted on May 7, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist

I wasn’t sure if Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down, by Lindsey Rowe Parker was more appropriate for me as an adult, children, or those who display this behavior set. Honestly, I suspect this book is good for all those groups, and probably more.
Forgive me if I mangle this terminology. This review is coming from a non-teacher, non-health professional.
Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down portrays a child-sized definition of what it is like to be inside a body with sensory differences.
Though jitters are common in folks of all ages, having an extreme case of the jitters and the compulsion to run, tap, touch, twist, and squeeze, like this boy, can sometimes be misunderstood.
But through the eyes and voice of this small child, and his mother, readers can explore what that particular behavior set is like for some people, why it is important for those with his mindset to feel the of dipping their feet into the cool water, the process of tapping three times on a surface, or running out that jittery feeling when necessary. It is all a part of how they interact with the world.
In this book, Mom is a person who understands the special needs of her son. Sometimes, he needs to run. Other times he needs to tap. And other times he needs to remove his shoes. He doesn’t know why he needs to do these things. He is just compelled to do them.
This character also experiences extreme distress at his inability to wash his hands clean of the soil that rests on his skin. He responds with an upset, exaggerated, and severe reaction to a simple problem other people would solve with more soap. But this sensory-challenged boy cannot process his dirty hands in a way commonly acceptable. So mom, who is trained to identify and assist in these situations, takes over and helps her special son find peace and calm once more.
Another aspect of this book I found illustrative of what it feels like to be sensory-hyper aware was that its text is run together, most words in a sentence are missing a word space, and some word letters overlap with the letters in place before it. When I first opened this book, I thought I was experiencing a software glitch. Then I realized the text was presented in that manner purposely to show readers how a child with special needs might see the same world.
All in all, this was a very moving five or ten minutes of reading that introduced me to a new way to understand and tolerate behavior and actions I do not fully understand.
Wiggles, Stomps, and Jitters is a title that belongs in libraries and classrooms. Teachers, at some age, might do very well to introduce mainstream students to what it feels like to approach life in a way different from their own.
I give this BQB title a thumbs up, a winner’s circle blue ribbon, a bronze statuette of the thinking man pondering why he was unaware of what was behind the seemingly bad behavior of certain children. And I deem this title an “I” for an “important” read for all ages. Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes will make a difference to everyone who reads it pages.

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Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Really great book, i've never read anything like it and this would have been such a great book to have as a child!

I love this book about the way this child processes sensory information and his need to wiggle, stomp, and receive hugs to calm down. It's a great way to help children with processing disorders be seen and to teach others about what it feels like. The illustrations are also fun!

Wonderful book about a child dealing with sensory disorders! The illustrations are so cute. The illustrator is an autistic artist. I think this would be a wonderful addition to any library.

My heart is glowing with excitement for the VOICE this book gives to children and families familiar with sensory learning differences! Vivid colors and interesting and dynamic illustrations help readers understand better what life may feel like through the eyes of another. I can't wait to share, read, and discuss this with my library community.

This is a cute book and it’s good for kids who may feel a little overwhelmed sometimes. It’s nice for them to know that they aren’t alone and maybe they can find a strategy that helps them too. The illustrations were adorable and the rhyming was fun!

This book provides great perspective into the mind of someone who has different sensory needs. I loved the explanations that are given in language kids can understand and the excellent illustration that is paired with the text.

Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down by Lindsey Rowe Parker is the cutest picture book for children. I have a grandchild with autism he is 12. This book would be very helpful for any child children move quickly. The illustrations are great and colorful.