My Whirling Twirling Motor

Awesome read my 6 year old son ask for it every night, he thinks it was written just for him.

I got this book for my child with ADHD (and high functioning autism). The child in the book is just like him, but what I really like is the refocusing on the "Wonderful List" at the end. We spend a lot of our time correcting, but you can never spend enough time telling them what they are doing right. On a recent night where bedtime had been particularly difficult, I had the presence of mind to bring this book out. When we finished, I gave him his wonderful list for the day. Since then, I've tried to give him a wonderful list at night before bed (without reading the book). So I think this book is a great tool for families managing littles with ADHD - both something the kids can relate to and a good reminder for the parents to emphasize the good. :)

I am so happy that my daughter and I found this book! I love that it draws you into Charlie's experience in his own wonderful, relatable words. Nothing about this story felt clinical, or like it was trying to teach my daughter to mask her symptoms. A lot of picture books about ADHD seem like thinly fictionalized self help books for kids to me - this is one that simply features a kid with ADHD being himself, which is wonderful for kids to see. The 'story problem' in this book isn't Charlie's ADHD (when kids read books like that they might get the message that *they* are the problem) - the story problem is Charlie's internalized shame, and it's resolved so wonderfully when it turns out that his mom noticed and appreciated all of the times he *was* well regulated, and all of his incremental successes that day. This is an inspiring model of positive/mindful parenting as it relates to ADHD, and also a truly enjoyable read!

Wow. This book honestly made my husband and I tear up a bit.....it just mirrors exactly how our son is with his "whirling, twirling motor". He is six years old and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. This book shows the uncertainty and anxiety and impulsivity that rumbles and tumbles beneath the surface of a kid with ADHD - and it does so without being clinical or generic. It gives real, raw examples from the viewpoint of a child. The first part of the story shares in moments where a kid feels like they are doing 'not-so-nice' things and they feel like they keep making mistakes or that they are making others around them mad or upset. Their brain recognizes all the troublesome, impulsive moments that they struggle with and it definitely weighs heavily on them - even if from the outside it might not show because of how fast their "whirling, twirling motor" has them moving. But by the end of the story, the reader gets to see the "Wonderful List" made by the kid's parents which shows all the helpful and wonderful things that the kid did throughout the day. The kid wasn't able to take in all the wonderful things that they did because they got so muddled and caught up in all the things that they felt were just mistakes and problems that they caused. But their parents helped them to remember and recognize all the wonderful things that their motor also helps them do. Goodness, it made my heart ache when I read these parts. Our son gets so down and out sometimes because all he recognizes in himself at times are his 'mistakes'. Especially when it comes to school and his classmates. We do everything we can to build his confidence and encourage him, but being in school opens up a whole other world to him that he has to, more often than not, navigate on his own. Our son instantly connected with this story. Right after we read this, he started asking about his own internal motor and how it sometimes causes him to do 'not-so-nice' things as well as how it also helps him do really good, positive things. He was definitely excited about the "Wonderful List" and how his motor helps him do really kind and caring things at school and at home. If your kid has ADHD or goes to school with a classmate who has ADHD - this is a wonderful book to help better understand the inner workings of a child navigating the world around them with ADHD. There is also a helpful, in-depth read at the end for parents and teachers. Very insightful. I am so happy we came across this book and that we get to share it with our son to show him he is not the only one who struggles with his "whirling, twirling motor".

I got this for my son who is very hyperactive but the book is a bit too long and he loses interest quickly. I do like the suggestions to parents though

This is great for ADHD kids. We read it an every couple of weeks. It’s easy for kids to understand.

A great age-appropriate book for explaining neurodiversity.

most kids are good kids, we just need to have the outside to help find their best way of finding their best way, not ours. We got this book today. read it before nap time. my oldest is enamored with this book. I love how much he relates to it. it is great for ADD and ADHD. my kid has never been diagnosed with either by his dr or therapist, and exhibits a lot of issues ihad as a kid (I also have neither) . it is not just for those kids and parents, but also for those really frustrated parents who have kids who are super smart but high anxiety. their brains and behaviors also exhibit many parallels. if your kid is a good kid but has a hard time listening this is a great book. point is its very versatile. whatever you're going through, you're not alone.

Interesting way of putting a story

Really liked this book can also relate to it which is great as a parent or child.

My 6 yr old loves this book because it explains how he feels a lot of the time. He brought it to his kindergarten class and the teacher loves it as well. They will be getting a copy for the elementary school library.