About the Book

Charlie feels like he has a whirling, twirling motor running inside him and sometimes he just can't settle.

Book Synopsis

A Warm, Empowering Story About High Energy, Big Feelings, and Celebrating What Makes Kids Unique

This engaging picture book follows Charlie, a young boy who feels like he has a "whirling, twirling motor" inside him every day, making it hard to sit still, slow down, or stay focused even when he wants to. Through relatable narration and gentle family support, this story helps children understand that having lots of energy is not something to be ashamed of, and that challenges do not define who they are.

Alongside the story, a detailed Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers provides information on hyperactivity, ADHD, behavior management, and ways adults can help children focus on positive experiences.

Key Features

• Supports Self-Awareness Helps children understand what it feels like to have big energy and that their behavior is not intentional or bad.
• Positive Behavior Framing Models how adults can highlight strengths, reinforce successes, and build emotional confidence.
• Great for Home or Classroom A relatable narrator and clear language make this an excellent read-aloud for families, educators, and support professionals.
• Includes Expert Guidance Features a detailed Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers with information on hyperactivity, ADHD, and practical behavior strategies.
• Trusted Publisher From Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association, experts in child development and emotional well-being.

Review Quotes

"The story reinforces that his being overactive and impulsive is not intentional and does not make him bad. The young narrator eventually internalizes his parents' focus on his accomplishments, rather than his challenges, and he wonders what positive things he will do tomorrow. . . . A must-have for young readers with any type of behavior difficulty and their caregivers."--starred, School Library Journal

-- (7/1/2019 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Merriam Sarcia Saunders, LMFT, is a psychotherapist who specializes in helping families of children with autism spectrum disorder, AD/HD, and learning disabilities. She lives in Northern California.

Tammie Lyon is an award-winning author and illustrator of numerous books for children, including Olive and Snowflake, the Eloise series, and the Katie Woo series. Visit @tammielyon on Instagram and Twitter, and behance.net/tammielyon.