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Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes: a Picture Book about Sensory Differences

October 24, 2020 by Valarie Budayr

{Guest Post by Jodi Murphy, Geek Club Books}

Rebecca (Bex) Burgess, an illustrator and comic artist from the UK, went viral when the autistic community and educators discovered their graphic illustration, “Understanding the Spectrum.” The comic was the first of its kind to explain autism from a neurodiverse perspective AND created by an autistic artist. It’s been viewed and downloaded millions of times.

Rebecca Burgess

 

Bex has played an important role in the education and advocacy work we do at Geek Club Books too. They illustrated our Hear Our Voices, End Autism Awareness, and Actually Autistic Adults in the Real World comics, all being used by parents and educators to help others understand the autism experience. These comics are being used in training programs, presentations, and in classrooms.

All of Bex’s hard work has led to their talent finally being recognized in the book publishing world. Bex has been working on, not one, not two, but three upcoming books for publishers, one that I’ll be reviewing on Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021.

Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down

Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down is a picture book about sensory differences. Created by an autistic artist, this new book explains autism from a neurodiverse perspective.

a picture book about sensory differences

It will also be released in Spanish: Meneos, Pistones, Y Apretones Para Calmar Mi Cosquelleo. I caught up with the author, Lindsey Rowe Parker, and Rebecca Burgess to talk about Bex’s journey as an illustrator and why Lindsey chose them to illustrate her book.

Interview with Rebecca Burgess and Lindsey Rowe Parker

Bex, what has been your journey to becoming an illustrator?

Although I studied illustration in Uni, I don’t think this actually contributed very much to the steps towards doing this as a job, although it was very fun at the time. Most steps I have taken are from different areas which have all accumulated together over the years.

What was most useful was taking part in the small press comic scene from age 13 onwards. I learned how to make and self-publish comics alongside other artists at conventions, and selling self-published comics is still a source of money now. All the artists on the small press scene talked on forums/groups, and we all became friends over many years. These friends, who were older and further along in their careers, were the people who sent me my first big jobs that paid enough for me to go full time, where I helped out as a colourist for their work.

It took a long time to improve my art and get decent work like this, so this took many years even after Uni. I drew my ‘Understanding the Spectrum’ comic in 2016 just for fun, and although the comic itself is purposely free, it has gotten me several job opportunities after going viral and getting noticed by people wanting artwork for various projects. Last year I took part in a ‘twitter pitch’ where you pitch a book via twitter to agents/editors. This has led to me getting an agent, which has helped me open up further avenues of places to get work in the book industry.

Lindsey, how did you discover Bex and decide they were right for your book?

Wiggles Stomps and Squeezes

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 their first concept sketches, I knew they were absolutely the perfect person to bring this story to life. Their approach to the characters and their relationship was humbling to me, you can feel the support and love in their illustrations.

Bex, what has the experience been like working with Lindsey on a children’s book about sensory differences?

It was really nice to work on a text that perfectly describes how I often feel! It was very validating and made me think about how I wish I could have had words to describe certain feelings that made me really stressed when I was a kid, especially the ‘jitters’. This made the book really fun to draw as well, it’s always the nicest when you can draw something you have an emotional connection to.

Lindsey, how has it been working with Bex on your book?

Wiggles Stomps and Squeezes

Bex has an incredible way of breathing life and joy and feeling into their illustrations. I could feel that looking at their previous work on Twitter. As I dug around a little more, I also realized how much they love and support the neurodivergent and autistic communities. The compassion and understanding they have of the nuances of these lived experiences bring such warmth to the illustrations, it is such a gift for me that they were open to working on this project. I jumped for joy, seriously out of my chair when they said yes!  We live an ocean away from each other, yet our working relationship is professional, easy, and so rewarding.

Lindsey, what were your first impressions when you saw Bex’s illustrations bring your story to life?

I cried happy tears. I ran through the house dancing. I showed my friends and family. I believe when you work with someone with immense talent, you get out of their way and let them do what they do best. And so it was with this process. I, of course, had ideas of what the story looked like in my head, but this is not just for me. So, I gave Bex carte blanche on character development and how they wanted to bring the story and sensations to life. They exceeded my wildest expectations. We are very lucky that our publisher also saw the vision, and trusted us to move forward with minimal changes. It has been a unique and wonderful experience to have this amount of control and creative collaboration through this process.

Bex, will this be your first published book, and are you hoping to illustrate more children’s books?

Nope! My first published book is being released in October 2020- How to be Ace, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers and another in the future I can’t talk about right now.

And, yes, I have lots of ideas for picture books myself, and I love doing this style of artwork so it would be great if I can be the artist for other picture books!

Thank you both for talking about your upcoming book! I look forward to reviewing it for #ReadYourWorld on January 29, 2021.

Ways to Connect with Rebecca Burgess and Lindsey Rowe Parker:

Read about A Day in the Life of Rebecca Burgess

Rebecca Burgess on Instagram – @theorahart

Author Lindsey Rowe Parker on Instagram – @wigglesstompsandsqueezes

Preorder Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down on Amazon


Jodi Murphy is the founder of Geek Club Books, an autism nonprofit committed to creating a world where autistic individuals are fully accepted, valued and have a voice. She is the producer of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast, a family-fun series of geeky retellings of classic fairy tales and true stories about hidden heroes of history. Previously, Jodi was a freelance marketing specialist working for clients in a variety of industries, a journalist in the luxury lifestyle industry, and co-founder of Nesting Newbies, one of the first independent lifestyle digital magazines.

Filed Under: Author Visits, Book review, Guest Posts, Multicultural Booklist, Teacher Tools Tagged With: #ReadYourWorld, Autism, book review, books about neurodiversity, books about sensory issues, Children's Book Author, children's book authors, diverse books, picture books about autism

Hidden Heroes in History: Dorktales Storytime Podcast

October 15, 2020 by Valarie Budayr

{guest post from Becky Flansburg}

As Project Manager for MCBD, I am blessed with the opportunity to meet emerging authors and work with some pretty impressive peeps on a daily basis. I am also a mom and homeschooler so I am also always on the lookout for innovative and unique offerings that inspire readers and shines the spotlight on extraordinary talent.

I’m like the Research Lady for all educator friends, fellow parents, and other homeschooling families!

That’s why I am GIDDY about Dorktales Storytime Podcast

Dorktales Storytime Podcast is not only a breath of fresh air, but it is also a super-fun way to keep young learners engaged, entertained, and learning during challenging times.

Dorktales Storytime Podcast

Jonathan Cormur is the host (and storyteller) of this fun podcast for kids that features:

1) Dorktales–geeky retellings of classic fairy tales with pop culture easter eggs in every story. 

2) Hidden Heroes of History–real stories about people you probably never learned about in school but who have changed history in ways we could have never imagined.   

Think Fractured Fairy Tales meets Big Bang Theory and the History Detectives!

In Dorktales Storytime Podcast, Jonathan is joined by his plucky puppet sidekick, Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog (or “Mr. Redge,” if you prefer) to tell goofier versions of tales that have delighted kids for generations. The shows are suitable for preschool and early elementary school ages and are an excellent way to keep kids engaged and learning while having loads of giggles and entertainment.

Dorktales Storytime PODCAST is AVAILABLE ON:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3kSUJZQ

Overcast: https://bit.ly/dorktales-overcast

Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/dorktales-amazon-music

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3iNgKHA

Stitcher: https://bit.ly/Dorktales-stitcher

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/dorktales-google

Find more on Podcast website: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales/

You may recognize Jonathan from his work with his mom, Jodi, from Geek Club Books and Zoom Autism Magazine. His new podcast for kids, Dorktales Storytime Podcast, showcases his career as a successful voice actor who also happens to be on the spectrum.

Jonathan Cormur

I especially love Jonathan’s Diverse Hidden Heroes of History.

Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP8: Louis Armstrong
Hidden Heroes of History
By Molly Murphy

A tale of Mississippi riverboats, parasol parades, and breaking racial barriers! A man that built a music legacy and a legacy beyond music—Louis Armstrong transformed jazz music and became the beloved “Ambassador Satch” who performed all over the world! So much of his life was about a deep passion for music and using it to bring people together.

Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP5: Mary Golda Ross
Hidden Heroes of History
By Molly Murphy

Mary Golda Ross

The true tale of a woman who reached for the stars! Mary Golda Ross was one of the first women to rise in the ranks of engineering and one of the first Native Americans in the field. Her work in the early days of spaceflight was very important and is still to this day.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-golda-ross/

Here’s How You Can Support Dorktales Storytime Podcast

We are exceptionally proud of Jonathan because he is a young man who has not let being on the spectrum define him…or hold him back!

Help us help Jonathan excel even more in his flourishing career path as a voice actor and storyteller. Here’s how YOU can support him!

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW IN APPLE PODCASTS

1. Mr. Redge thinks it would be “utterly absurd” if you miss even one episode. So, CLICK on over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe today.

2. Listen to several (or all!) of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast episodes and leave a review! Reviews are like applause to a voice actor!

3. Share this link with another family who might be looking for fun and educational ways to share fairy tales and teach about some of the unsung Hidden Heroes in History.

4. Connect with Jonathan on social media!

  • https://www.facebook.com/jonincharacter
  • https://www.instagram.com/jonincharacter/
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-murphy-33bb9993/
  • https://www.pinterest.com/jonathancormur/_created/

CURRENT EPISODES:

Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP1: What are Dorktales?

Jonathan Cormur introduces himself as the host and storyteller of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast and answers the question you may be pondering, “What ARE Dorktales?”

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-podcast-introduction/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP2: Three Little Hogs?!
By Karen Simpson Gardiner

Dorktales Storytime Podcast

The Three Little…HOGS? Who’s heard of that? According to Mr. Redge, our Dorktales sidekick, it’s a classic tale from the fairy tale cannon! Come hear our storyteller recount the story of hedgehogs Porky, Percy, and Peregrin, and their ultimate triumph over the dastardly wolf using a glue pot, rapier, and a wheelbarrow. According to Percy, “It’s epic, man!”

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-three-little-hogs/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP3: Little Red
By Karen Simpson Gardiner

Dorktales Storytime Podcast

La, la, la, la-la! Have you heard the tale of Little Red Riding Hood? You know, the one about the sweet, innocent little girl in the beautiful red cloak who outfoxes the big bad wolf? Well forget that one and think ninja granny with a stealthy rescue plan and fierce tranquilizer dart skills.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-little-red/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP4: RumpleTaleSpin
By Amy Thompson

Dorktales Storytime Podcast

“Rump, who?” asks Mr. Redge as Jonathan spins the tall tale of Daphne, the Miller’s daughter, who must spin thread into gold for a greedy king. It’s an epic yarn involving a magical lawn gnome, a clever guessing game, and a Wizard of Oz ending!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-rumpletalespin/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP6: The Prickly Duckling
By Amy Thompson

Dorktales Storytime Podcast

After the quacks and croaks of laughter from his siblings and bullying bullfrog, the poor little duckling waddles off through the marshes to find someone who will accept and love him. What about the gaggle of goslings? Or the brood of chicks? “No one understands me! I’ll never fit in,” he cries until he bumps into the best version of himself.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/prickly-duckling/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP7: The Emperor’s New Quills
By Amy Thompson

Dorktales Storytime Podcast

Is the fancy fabric for the emperor’s new clothes really invisible to those who are not worthy? Or is this a case of double-dealing dupery by two wily weavers? As the emperor struts his stylish self through the streets of his kingdom, it will take one forthright boy to blurt out the naked truth.

Episode webpage (will publish when episode drops):
https://jonincharacter.com/the-emperors-new-quills/

 

Coming Soon!

  • Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP9: The Boy Who Cried Hedgewolf
  • Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP10: Ready, Set, Slow!
  • Dorktales Storytime Podcast EP11: Tenzing Norgay Hidden Heroes of History

Dorktales Storytime Podcast

Be sure and  CLICK on over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe today.

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

Filed Under: diversity in children’s books, Featured, Free Resources, Guest Posts, Teacher Tools Tagged With: Autism, Dorktales Storytime Podcast, Hidden Heroes in History, Podcasts for Kids

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