Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down

September 6, 2021
A neurodivergent author and illustrator team up for this picture book, also offered in Spanish as Meneos, Pistones, y Apretones Para Calmar mi Cosquilleo, featuring a brown-haired, light brown–skinned child who has sensory differences. When activities such as eating mushy food that “smells weird”; dressing in potentially itchy clothing; or getting their hands covered in sand at the park give the narrator “jitters,” they perform a number of rhythmic, physical actions to calm themselves down, such as tapping, hopping, humming, and swaying: “I need to zoom, I need to stomp!/ I can’t explain why.” Squeezes from the child’s seemingly white mother also help the child “calm my jitters down.” Onomatopoeic prose by Rowe Parker proves engaging; digital art by Burgess features a fine-lined style, with expressions that clearly project the protagonist’s feelings. This episodic, well-paced picture book will resonate and provide insight while offering a compassionate family dynamic. Ages 5–7.