When Worry Takes Hold

by Liz Haske

One night just before the lights went out, Worry snuck into Maya's mind. Worry grew bigger and bigger until there was no space left for anything else. Just darkness and fear. Join Maya as she finds Courage, through the form of a calming breath, and learns how to break free from Worry's hold.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2017

About the author

Liz Haske has always loved telling and sharing stories. The idea of becoming an author has been a long time dream, especially because she spends her days in the company of good books, learning alongside children. She will be forever grateful to the friend that told her, "Stop talking about it and just write," which prompted her to finally put pen to paper. Liz launched the Worry series in 2017, which aims to empower children with strategies such as mindful breathing and self-talk. She is the author of When Worry Takes Hold and Worry Moves On.

Liz is currently an international teacher who has been fortunate enough to learn alongside children in five (soon to be six) different countries. Wonder and thinking are her breath, which is why she feels so at home in the classroom. She currently lives in Sofia, Bulgaria and will soon move to Lusaka, Zambia with her husband and two children. Learn more about Liz at www.lizhaske.com.

Reviews

[Sve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes wisdom comes from the most unexpected places.
When you have struggled with doubt, shame and fear for a while - a children's book can make you smile again.
Liz's book will be a good companion for the little ones, as well as their parents. Because everyone worries sometimes. The point is not to let worry take hold :)

[Jenn Hopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Worry Takes Hold is a visual and verbal treat, empowering anxious little ones, and perhaps anxious not-so-little ones, to use breathing and mindfulness to overcome worry, anxiety, and stress. Through thoughtful words, lovely illustrations, and a simple, yet powerful, practice, Haske creates a sweet read that I highly recommend for children, parents, teachers, and counselors.

[Sarah Moschenross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting to find a book just like this one. My kids are worriers and so was my husband, as a kid. We read this all together and practiced breathing. Everyone shared times they felt worried and how we can all get through them. I recommend this book to anyone with kids who worry a lot. My kids- 6 and 9- found it relateable for their thought processes and it was a good conversation starter for us with practicle applications. Love it!!

[Kirsten Himmerich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: When Worry Takes Hold
Author/Illustrator: Liz Haske/ InSong Nam
Reading Level: LG
Book Level: 2.3
Book Summary: Maya is filled with worry to the point that her parents start to worry about Maya. Then courage appears (in the form of learning how to courage breathe) and through practice teaches Maya how to push worry away.
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits: For this mentor text I chose the voice and ideas writing traits. This text sets a great example for students that even the hard issues or issues we may not want to talk about, can have a big impact on helping others and make others feel like they are not alone in their struggles. The voice for the same reason is important in this text because for students, adults who are struggling with worry connecting and using language that they will relate with is crucial. For this text I would teach students how to take courage breaths and continue that practice because as research shows deep breathing is something that we don't teach and should be build into our everyday lives.

[Ula Konczewska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated, When Worry Takes Hold resonates with little and big worriers. I see my 2nd grade students putting their hands on their bellies and breathing deeply in moments of worry. It’s a must have in your home and school library!

[Danielle Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I would read it to my own children. This book would help little minds not worry so much and show them techniques to use when worrying over comes your body such as breathing techniques to do to overcome your worries and your fears.

[Jill CD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read aloud and talk about feelings and anxiety! Love it.

[Eleanor · Rating 2 out of 5]

The modulating affects of breathing are highlighted but are given a bit too much weight in this somewhat simplistic story of negating worry with courage through breathing.

[Brownd2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

wonderful suggestions for children of all ages