Norma Jean, Jumping Bean

Reach for this book when your child seems to have an endless supply of energy and struggles to find their 'off' switch in quiet settings. It addresses the common friction between a child's natural exuberance and the social expectations of school and home. Through the story of a high-spirited kangaroo named Norma Jean, the book validates a child's joyful impulses while gently teaching the importance of impulse control. Norma Jean loves to jump, but her constant bouncing eventually begins to frustrate her friends and disrupt her classroom. This story is particularly effective for children aged 4 to 7 who are navigating the transition to a structured school environment. It moves away from shaming high energy and instead focuses on finding the right time and place for big movements, helping children develop self-awareness and empathy for those around them.