Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down
By Lindsey Rowe Parker
The Story
A young girl shares how she experiences the world through her senses — the vibration of running feet, cool water trickling over her hands — and the wiggles, stomps, and squeezes that calm her jitters down.
Why It's Special
For the kid who needs to move, tap, and squeeze their way through the day, this book says: that's not a problem, that's just how you're wired.
- Big idea: Sensory needs aren't misbehavior — they're a real, valid way of experiencing the world, and there's comfort in having a name for the jitters.
- Vibes: Gentle, validating, and grounded in the small physical details of everyday life.
Perfect For Kids Who
- experience the world intensely through their senses
- seek out movement, pressure, or texture to feel calm
- are working on understanding and naming their own feelings
- respond well to seeing their own experience reflected back to them
Ask Your Little Reader
- Real-life connection: What helps calm your jitters down — do you like to wiggle, stomp, or squeeze something?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the girl feels when she taps her fork or runs and feels the vibration in her feet?
- Story & noticing details: What are some of the things the girl in the book feels, hears, or touches that help her feel calm?
- Self-awareness: Is there a sound, feeling, or movement that makes your body feel just right?
- Imagination: If you could describe your own jitters, what would they feel like?
