About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is hitting that tricky transition from toddler impulses to big-kid expectations and school rules. It speaks directly to the daily internal tug-of-war between wanting to be wild and needing to sit still, wait for a turn, or keep hands to themselves. The story follows a young boy navigating the frustrations of self-regulation through the clever metaphor of a 'control panel.' It is an energetic, rhyming validation of how physically and emotionally taxing it is to grow up. Parents will appreciate the humor and the way it normalizes the struggle of self-control without being preachy, making it an ideal choice for preschoolers and kindergartners who are learning to manage their big energy in a structured world.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and realistic. It deals with behavioral frustration and the difficulty of impulse control in a lighthearted, non-punitive way.
Ideal Reader
A high-energy 4 to 6-year-old who often hears 'settle down' or 'use your words.' It is especially resonant for children who feel bad when they lose control and need to know that everyone finds it difficult.
