Weasel is Worried

From A Little Bit Anxious (A.K.A. Weasel is Worried) by Ciara Gavin, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press, 2020)

A Little Bit Worried (A.K.A. Weasel is Worried) by Ciara Gavin, illustrated by Tim Warnes(Little Tiger Press, 2020)Good to Read for:encouraging children to share their worriesteaching empathyexploring mindfulnessI’ve personally suffered from bad mental health over many years. (Thankfully, I am thriving right now.) I have seen beloved family and friends suffer, too – either directly (or indirectly) from mental health problems. So it’s a drum I like to bang on from time to time – and World Mental Health Day (Sunday 08 October 2021) seems as good a time as any!

Perhaps much of the problem lies in the fact that there’s still a stigma attached to having mental health problems. People don’t know how to talk about it. Mental Health Foundation acknowledges that ‘[m]any people don’t even feel comfortable talking about their feelings. But it’s healthy to know and say how you’re feeling.’

This is why I’ve chosen A Little Bit Worried, by Ciara Gavin (illustrated by myself), as my Story Worth Sharing today. It’s a great story about friendship – and a reminder that we’re all different. But dig a bit deeper, and you’ll find ‘this gentle story offers the perfect starting point for conversations about worries and fears’ (North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award). Which makes it an excellent tool for promoting good mental health in your kids!

 

Weasel was minding his own business, out collecting leaves, when suddenly the weather changed.

 

Gavin uses the weather as a metaphor for Weasel’s mood. The change comes upon him suddenly and unexpectedly. Ironically, the book was published at a time when EVERYBODY’S mood suddenly and unexpectedly changed. It was March 2020 – the beginning of the global COVID pandemic. Its release couldn’t have been timed more perfectly. One minute we were going about our lives as usual, out and about collecting leaves (or groceries!). The next, BAM! A colossal storm hits. In the story, Weasel feels very small and defenceless against the angry storm around him. So he builds himself a fortress to keep safe. Similarly, we found ourselves in lockdown. The parallels were uncanny.

 

Time passed, and Weasel got used to being by himself. But one day, he turned around… and was alarmed to find Mole sitting on his couch.

 

From A Little Bit Anxious (A.K.A. Weasel is Worried) by Ciara Gavin, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press, 2020)

 

Some kids are worriers (like Weasel). Others are more open and optimistic.

More ‘Mole’. 

Mole has a different way of seeing things to Weasel! And that’s where A Little Bit Worried is elevated from just being a great little story into a Useful Tool for parents and carers. Let me explain.

Mental Health Foundation’s number 1 tip for looking after your mental health is to talk about your feelings.

 

Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.

– Mental Health Foundation

 

Sometimes we are reluctant to talk about our feelings. We fear rejection or ridicule (or perhaps being misunderstood). Maybe the attitudes of others teach us that we don’t have anything worth saying. At my lowest points, I know I was unable to make sense of my thoughts, let alone verbalise them to others.

The charismatic Mole is kind and compassionate. A safe person to confide in. He’s a breath of fresh air. A little ray of sunshine! 

 

From A Little Bit Anxious (A.K.A. Weasel is Worried) by Ciara Gavin, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press, 2020) | Photo credit: Sean Regan

 

Mole demonstrates sensitivity by gently questioning Weasel, What’s wrong with a good storm anyway? 

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From A Little Bit Anxious (A.K.A. Weasel is Worried) by Ciara Gavin, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press, 2020)

 

This prompts Weasel to open up further and talk. 

 

Weasel told Mole about the wind and the rain, the damp and the chill, the snow and the ice. All the things that frightened him the most.

 

Mole listens.

He doesn’t mock Weasel for being scared of the wind and the rain.

He doesn’t tell Weasel to stop being silly or stupid or negate him in any way.

 

From A Little Bit Anxious (A.K.A. Weasel is Worried) by Ciara Gavin, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press, 2020)

 

Instead, Mole shares his own experiences and feelings –

 

“I see,” said Mole gently. “But storms can be such fun, too! Whenever it snows, I love to scoop it up and make a snowman.”

 

Mole continues, explaining how the wind lifts his fur and makes it feel all ticklish.

How he loves splashing in the biggest puddles he can find. 

And how the simplest of pleasures – a cup of hot soup – ‘“tastes extra wonderful when you’ve been out in the rain.”’

 

From A Little Bit Anxious (A.K.A. Weasel is Worried) by Ciara Gavin, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press, 2020)

 

In effect, Mole presents a different way of looking at the source of Weasel’s anxiety – which ultimately helps Weasel reframe his thoughts.  

One of the benefits and joys of sharing a picture book with your child is that it creates a safe, quiet moment where you can be alone together, one on one. Such moments (where distractions are minimal) are precious and give children a natural opportunity to talk and share (the number 1 tip for looking after your family’s mental health).

 

The story has a satisfying and heartwarming ending. Feeling less anxious but still a touch of trepidation, Weasel has a final question:

 

“But Mole,” said Weasel, ‘what do you do when you feel afraid to face something?”

“I face it with my friend,” smiled Mole. And with that, he held out his hand … and together they walked out into a warm sunny day.

For me, the true value of picture books lies:in their ability to create connectionin their role in developing children’s empathy (By which I mean, they help children step into someone else’s shoes and see life from their perspective.)

Both these factors equip kids to become emotionally and mentally strong. Only then can they be like Mole and reach out a supportive hand to someone else’s Weasel. 

So please look at my suggestions below for further picture book recommendations whose value goes beyond the quality of the writing and illustrations alone. If needed, follow Mole’s example and use them to start conversations to support your child. Or simply enjoy them for the great stories they are, in the knowledge that you are strengthening your child’s empathy muscle and equipping them to help someone in a time of need.

STORIES WORTH SHARINGA Little Bit Worried by Tim WarnesGood to Read for:encouraging children to share their worriesteaching empathyexploring mindfulnessGOOD TO READ

For emotional health & well-being

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña & Christian Robinson

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas

Tiger Lily by Gwen Millward

Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri

How To Be a Lion by Ed Vere

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd

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 “[Tim’s] illustrations, as always, are beautifully executed” – THE ENGLISH ASSOCIATION

“uplifting and joyful!”– @AFAMILYTHATREADS

buy uk buy us * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESA Little Bit Worried by Ciara Gavin, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press 2020) How to Look After your Mental Health (mentalhealth.org) A Little Bit Worried (North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award 15 April 2020)© 2021 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.