Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes Calm my Jitters Down, a Picture Book About Sensory Differences Announced for April 2021 Release

    RICHMOND, VA, August 19, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Neurodiverse author and illustrator team up for sensory differences picture book. The vibration in her feet when she runs, the tap-tap-tap of her fork on the table at mealtime, the trickle of cool water running over her hands - these are the things that calm her jitters down. The brightly illustrated story follows a young girl with heightened sensory experiences through her day with fun, interactive sounds and motions. This book is for anyone who has ever felt the need for a wiggle, stomp or squeeze!

"There were sensory preferences that I had as a child that I thought were weird or strange, not like other people," says author Lindsey Rowe Parker, "Through pediatric occupational therapies with my kiddos, I have a greater understanding of not only some of their sensory needs, but my own. It's like a light bulb went on, and I thought 'Oh wow, now I get it.'"

"This story is written from my own sensory experiences, and now also as a mother learning how to provide sensory input to meet the needs of my kids. But I think this story applies to many kids and adults that are looking for that sensory input, which they themselves may not have a name for."

"I knew that I wanted to partner with an illustrator that understood these experiences, and I found Rebecca Burgess on Twitter. The kidlit community on Twitter is a great place to find talent, and Rebecca is a gem. From her first concept sketches I knew she was absolutely the perfect person to bring this story to life. Her approach to the characters and their relationship was humbling to me, you can feel the support and love in her illustrations."

"I loved Lindsey's text immediately, the writing is brilliant, fluent and really fun! But most importantly it gave some great wording to sensations and experiences I had as a child and still have now!" says illustrator Rebecca Burgess. "At the time I had no way of articulating these experiences, and definitely no way of understanding. As soon as I finished my first read of the text, all I could think was I wish I could have had a book like this as a child! I'm very excited to be able to give a name and expression to those 'jitters' I tried to get rid of as a child through my art, and help other autistic kids in understanding and expressing their 'jitters'."

Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes is available now for preorder and will hit shelves in April 2021.

"BQB Publishing's mission is to bring new authors with cutting edge books into the marketplace," says Terri Leidich, President/Publisher of BQB and WriteLife Publishing. "Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes is a stunning example of a fresh new voice telling a story from a perspective that young readers and adults alike can relate to or learn from."

About the Author: Lindsey Rowe Parker
Lindsey is a mom at the tail end of toddler-hood, embracing the next phase of parenting while learning to navigate and advocate for her young autistic daughter. With a recent adult diagnosis of ADHD, and a new deeper understanding of her own sensory experiences, she has begun to delve into the neurodiversity community learning all she can from neurodiverse voices. This is her first picture book, and she hopes it connects with everyone who has felt the need for a wiggle, stomp or squeeze!

Visit wigglesstompsandsqueezes.com

About the Illustrator: Rebecca Burgess
Rebecca is an autistic illustrator living in the UK. She loves history and nature, but comics and illustration most of all! Her passion has led her work with the likes of The Guardian and Jessica Kingsley Publishing. Rebecca is most famous for her online comic 'Understanding The Spectrum', a comic explaining autism that has been shared in several books and used by parents, teachers and doctors.

Advance Reviews

"I often find myself trying to explain to parents why their child needs wiggles, stomps, and squeezes to get through their day while experiencing sensory input in ways that are different and often more intense. This is the first book I have come across that provides a very real glimpse into the lived experience of a child with sensory differences. What a wonderful book that so many families can benefit from!" Caitlyn Berry, Occupational Therapist

"Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes playfully validates the unique sensory experiences of children, written from their own perspective. I'm excited for every kid that will see themselves in this beautiful book!" Mark Loewen, Author of "What Does a Princess Really Look Like?"

"I have worked in special education for 12 years and have not come across a book that explains these jittery feelings until now. This book will capture the hearts of families and children with unique needs as well as educate those unfamiliar with sensory differences." Bridget Martinez, Special Education Teacher

Get the Book! You can preorder Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes Calm my Jitters Down at Amazon.com The book is published by BQB Publishing. Connect with us on instagram.com/wigglesstompsandsqueezes For PR and Media inquiries please contact [email protected] | 805-815-7693

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