A Children’s Picture Book by Melissa Sullivan-Noonan
Age Range: 4–8
Word Count: ~1000 (approx.)
Format: Illustrated Picture Book
Wiggles the Worm Who Couldn’t Sit Still is a lively, compassionate story about ADHD, sensory-seeking behavior, and embracing your unique wiring.
Hook:
Wiggles was born squirming, spinning, and tapping, and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t sit still. With the help of a wise cricket and a ‘Wiggle Plan,’ he learns that movement isn’t a problem to fix, but a power to celebrate.
Illustrator Notes
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Wiggles: Playful, expressive worm—always in motion, blur of color or shapes to show movement.
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Cricket: Friendly, wise, with bright green wings and expressive antennae.
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Settings: Garden soil, worm school on a root rug, leaf pile, recess dance circle.
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Key visuals: Wiggles’ tail tapping, spinning into numbers, wiggle dance, leaf fidget stem, tuba-like wiggle breaths.
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Tone: Bright, playful, energetic with heartfelt emotional beats.
Story Summary
From the moment he was born, Wiggles couldn’t sit still. In worm school, his tapping tail and racing thoughts make learning hard and sometimes leave him feeling like he’s ‘too much.’ But when Cricket shows him how to turn his energy into a Wiggle Plan: Squeezing leaves, breathing wiggle-breaths, and moving before pausing, Wiggles discovers that his energy isn’t something to hide. With practice, his classmates begin to see his strengths, and Wiggles learns that being different isn’t about being broken, it’s about finding the tools to shine. Wiggles the Worm Who Couldn’t Sit Still is a lively, compassionate story about ADHD, sensory-seeking behavior, and embracing your unique wiring.
Themes & SEL Connections
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ADHD & Sensory Needs – Recognizing unique brain wiring and energy patterns
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Emotional Regulation – Using simple tools (breathing, fidgets, movement) to build focus
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Self-Acceptance – Moving from feeling ‘too much’ to celebrating unique strengths
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Inclusion – Showing classmates embracing and supporting Wiggles’ way of learning
Comparable Titles
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It’s Hard to Be a Verb! (Future Horizons, 2008) – A playful ADHD-friendly picture book.
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All My Stripes (Magination Press, 2015) – A story about autism, neurodiversity, and belonging.
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My Mouth Is a Volcano! (Scholastic, 2005) – Humorously addresses blurting and self-control for kids.
