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Worry Says What?: A Picture Book About Using Self-Talk to Silence Anxious Thoughts
Allison Edwards, author of the best-selling book Why Smart Kids Worry, gives a glimpse into the ways worry whispers to young minds, and offers a powerful tool all children can use to silence those fears.
"Worry's songs tie my tummy up in knots, and the things he says make my heart beat very fast. Sometimes he speaks in a whisper, and other times his voice gets so loud I can't hear anything else."
Worry and anxiety are currently the top mental health issues among children and teens. Children have a number of worries throughout childhood that will come and go. The problem is not with the worries themselves, but that children believe the worries to be true. With a relatable story and beautiful artwork, Worry Says What? will help children (and adults) flip their thinking when anxious thoughts begin and turn them into powerful reminders of all they are capable of accomplishing.
"Worry's songs tie my tummy up in knots, and the things he says make my heart beat very fast. Sometimes he speaks in a whisper, and other times his voice gets so loud I can't hear anything else."
Worry and anxiety are currently the top mental health issues among children and teens. Children have a number of worries throughout childhood that will come and go. The problem is not with the worries themselves, but that children believe the worries to be true. With a relatable story and beautiful artwork, Worry Says What? will help children (and adults) flip their thinking when anxious thoughts begin and turn them into powerful reminders of all they are capable of accomplishing.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Allison Edwards
9 books45 followersAllison Edwards is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. She received her undergraduate degree in Education from Northwest Missouri State and a graduate degree in Counseling from Vanderbilt University.
Before opening a private practice, Allison developed and maintained a play therapy program for at-risk and immigrant children in the public school system. In her current practice, she sees children of all ages, consults with parents, supervises counselors, and writes about childhood anxiety. She also serves as an Affiliate Professor at Vanderbilt University where she enjoys teaching future counselors how to work with kids.
Before opening a private practice, Allison developed and maintained a play therapy program for at-risk and immigrant children in the public school system. In her current practice, she sees children of all ages, consults with parents, supervises counselors, and writes about childhood anxiety. She also serves as an Affiliate Professor at Vanderbilt University where she enjoys teaching future counselors how to work with kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 26, 2019
As someone who has suffered from anxiety for most of her life, I was interested in reading this book for kids to see how the topic of worry would be dealt with. I was one of those kids who was always worrying about something: dying of old age, losing my teeth, nuclear war (hey, it was the early '80s, and the Cold War was still on), the sun expanding into a red giant. I'm still a worrier, though much of that has to do with a severe case of OCD. This brings me to my main worry (pun intended?) about this book.
Simple worries, such as the ones portrayed in the story (the worry that you won't do well on a test, the worry that the other kids won't want to play with you, etc.), are fairly easily shot down because they can quickly be verified to be false (you take the test and do well, you ask someone to play with you and they say yes, etc.). But what happens when you're worrying about something far in the future? How can you prove to that little voice in your head that there really is nothing to worry about?
That seems to be beyond the scope of this book, but for kids who are bona fide worrywarts, tips on how to deal with those sorts of worries might have been helpful. There's also the matter of worry and anxiety that can be brought on by physical causes, where no amount of reassurance or self-talk is going to help because the anxiety is being caused by brain inflammation. You simply can't talk your way out of that. (For a great example of how approaching these problems from a purely psychological viewpoint can go horrifyingly wrong, check out Susannah Cahalan's story, Brain on Fire.)
If this book had been given to me when I was a child, I know that it would have made little difference. And then the worry would have been compounded, because I would've felt like a failure for not being able to get my worries under control. (I know this, because this is how I felt for much of my childhood; no matter how hard I tried, there was just no way to work around my worrisome thoughts. I still have a number of self-help books for kids sitting around as evidence that this sort of approach doesn't work for everyone.)
So I'm a bit conflicted about this one. The idea is laudable, the story is easy to understand, and the illustrations are beautiful. Would it work for kids who have mild anxiety and worry? Maybe. They might even find it empowering. But I'm concerned about the kids with more severe anxiety that might be rooted in physical causes. I'm afraid they won't get much out of this, and their self-esteem will take another hit as a result. I have to recommend this one with reservations.
Quotable moment:
Thank you to NetGalley and National Center for Youth Issues for providing a digital ARC.
Simple worries, such as the ones portrayed in the story (the worry that you won't do well on a test, the worry that the other kids won't want to play with you, etc.), are fairly easily shot down because they can quickly be verified to be false (you take the test and do well, you ask someone to play with you and they say yes, etc.). But what happens when you're worrying about something far in the future? How can you prove to that little voice in your head that there really is nothing to worry about?
That seems to be beyond the scope of this book, but for kids who are bona fide worrywarts, tips on how to deal with those sorts of worries might have been helpful. There's also the matter of worry and anxiety that can be brought on by physical causes, where no amount of reassurance or self-talk is going to help because the anxiety is being caused by brain inflammation. You simply can't talk your way out of that. (For a great example of how approaching these problems from a purely psychological viewpoint can go horrifyingly wrong, check out Susannah Cahalan's story, Brain on Fire.)
If this book had been given to me when I was a child, I know that it would have made little difference. And then the worry would have been compounded, because I would've felt like a failure for not being able to get my worries under control. (I know this, because this is how I felt for much of my childhood; no matter how hard I tried, there was just no way to work around my worrisome thoughts. I still have a number of self-help books for kids sitting around as evidence that this sort of approach doesn't work for everyone.)
So I'm a bit conflicted about this one. The idea is laudable, the story is easy to understand, and the illustrations are beautiful. Would it work for kids who have mild anxiety and worry? Maybe. They might even find it empowering. But I'm concerned about the kids with more severe anxiety that might be rooted in physical causes. I'm afraid they won't get much out of this, and their self-esteem will take another hit as a result. I have to recommend this one with reservations.
Quotable moment:
The truth is, listening to Worry is ruining my life.
He never makes me feel better. He always makes me worse.
Thank you to NetGalley and National Center for Youth Issues for providing a digital ARC.
August 28, 2018
I'm usually rather sceptical about these 'helpbooks for kids', mainly because I rarely agree yith the suggested solutions for the problems. They often suggest ways to wrap your kids in bublewrap, or suggest evasion manouvers on the real problem.
But not this one. I actually liked this one. It offers a starting point to TALK TO YOUR KIDS, let them tell you their fears and offer positive support for them overcoming their fears themselves.
Oh, and the illustrations are cute too. Two thumbs up
I received a copy through Netgalley.
But not this one. I actually liked this one. It offers a starting point to TALK TO YOUR KIDS, let them tell you their fears and offer positive support for them overcoming their fears themselves.
Oh, and the illustrations are cute too. Two thumbs up
I received a copy through Netgalley.
September 14, 2018
I would like to thank NetGalley and National Center for Youth Issues for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts off with a young girl mentioning about how there is a monster called Worry that would set up camp inside her brain and say things that would worry her. Whenever the girl receives a math test, the Worry monster would tell her that she cannot do the math test and the girl ends up not finishing the math test due to being worried. Another time was when the girl wanted to play with the other kids at recess and the Worry monster would tell her that the other kids will not like her and the girl ends up not playing with the other kids.
Can the girl overcome Worry?
Read this book to find out!
Allison Edwards has done a fantastic job at writing this book as the narrative is both imaginative and emotional! I like the fact that Allison Edwards tackled the issue of being worried about certain situations as many kids in real life do worry about whether or not they can do a certain task. I also liked the fact that this book help teaches children about how to deal with being worried as many children do get concerned about what they can and cannot do and it is great that there is a children’s book out there that helps children overcome their worries about a particular situation. Ayesha L. Rubio’s artwork is adorable to look at as I loved the images of the girl herself as she looks truly adorable and her facial expressions were so well done as I enjoy seeing her confident and worried expressions throughout the story. I also like the way that Ayesha L. Rubio did the artwork for the monster itself as it does not look threatening and it actually looks like a humorous gray furry creature that mostly has a mischievous look on its face.
Overall, “Worry Says What?” is a truly fantastic book about dealing with your worries that children who go through the same thing will definitely enjoy! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
The book starts off with a young girl mentioning about how there is a monster called Worry that would set up camp inside her brain and say things that would worry her. Whenever the girl receives a math test, the Worry monster would tell her that she cannot do the math test and the girl ends up not finishing the math test due to being worried. Another time was when the girl wanted to play with the other kids at recess and the Worry monster would tell her that the other kids will not like her and the girl ends up not playing with the other kids.
Can the girl overcome Worry?
Read this book to find out!
Allison Edwards has done a fantastic job at writing this book as the narrative is both imaginative and emotional! I like the fact that Allison Edwards tackled the issue of being worried about certain situations as many kids in real life do worry about whether or not they can do a certain task. I also liked the fact that this book help teaches children about how to deal with being worried as many children do get concerned about what they can and cannot do and it is great that there is a children’s book out there that helps children overcome their worries about a particular situation. Ayesha L. Rubio’s artwork is adorable to look at as I loved the images of the girl herself as she looks truly adorable and her facial expressions were so well done as I enjoy seeing her confident and worried expressions throughout the story. I also like the way that Ayesha L. Rubio did the artwork for the monster itself as it does not look threatening and it actually looks like a humorous gray furry creature that mostly has a mischievous look on its face.
Overall, “Worry Says What?” is a truly fantastic book about dealing with your worries that children who go through the same thing will definitely enjoy! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
August 30, 2018
Worry Says What? is a powerful little book intended for young children but . By personifying Worry, it makes an abstract concept more understandable for kids. It is an empowering book that will make pint-sized worriers feel more confident and more in control.
The child at the center of the story conveys that she hears Worry saying things like you can’t do it, you won’t get it right, the other kids don’t like you, etc. Worry really taunts her at night, saying she isn’t safe and mentions potentially scary things such as strange noises and things hiding in the closet. It realistically conveys that Worry can be present 24/7 and it only has negative consequences. This book shows kids a different approach to take with worry — to confront it head on.
The illustrations are delightful and making worry look a bit like a monster is perfect. I wish I was able to read this book when I was young!
Thank you to NetGalley and the National Center for Youth Issues for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The child at the center of the story conveys that she hears Worry saying things like you can’t do it, you won’t get it right, the other kids don’t like you, etc. Worry really taunts her at night, saying she isn’t safe and mentions potentially scary things such as strange noises and things hiding in the closet. It realistically conveys that Worry can be present 24/7 and it only has negative consequences. This book shows kids a different approach to take with worry — to confront it head on.
The illustrations are delightful and making worry look a bit like a monster is perfect. I wish I was able to read this book when I was young!
Thank you to NetGalley and the National Center for Youth Issues for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2019
In this story, Worry is a monster who lives in the main characters head. It comes out at various times such as when she takes a test or wants to play with others. Worry speaks and shouts at her saying things like, "It's too hard" or "They don't like you, they think you're weird" and so on. This poor girl can't sleep and is afraid to do much of anything. She begins to use self-talk to drown out the messages from the Worry Monster.
Again, this seems like a pretty simple answer to a very big problem, but it is a start. Self-talk is a great way to overcome worry, frustration, anxiety etc. The thing is, it is something that needs to be taught if you have a child with severe anxiety issues. Allison Edwards has done a great job writing this book using and imaginative concept of worry as a monster. It is good to note that as we teach children monsters are not real, this could transfer to their worries as well. The situations in this book are simple ones that all children deal with, and this book could be used by parents, teachers and caregivers to deal with those simple worries. I think it would take more for a child with stronger anxiety who thinks about other things such as someone dying, fires, storms etc. I like the fact that this book helps teach children about how to deal with being worried about normal things as that is a fact of life. I also enjoyed the illustrations. The Worry Monster was great and gives the reader something real to look at. The young girl showed expressions throughout the story that could be discusses showing her confidence build. Overall, “Worry Says What?” is a good book about dealing with your worries that would be beneficial in families and classrooms where it is normal to have children with these issues. At the back there are three tips to helping your child overcome worry that reiterate what is taught in the story. The National Center for Youth Issues generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Again, this seems like a pretty simple answer to a very big problem, but it is a start. Self-talk is a great way to overcome worry, frustration, anxiety etc. The thing is, it is something that needs to be taught if you have a child with severe anxiety issues. Allison Edwards has done a great job writing this book using and imaginative concept of worry as a monster. It is good to note that as we teach children monsters are not real, this could transfer to their worries as well. The situations in this book are simple ones that all children deal with, and this book could be used by parents, teachers and caregivers to deal with those simple worries. I think it would take more for a child with stronger anxiety who thinks about other things such as someone dying, fires, storms etc. I like the fact that this book helps teach children about how to deal with being worried about normal things as that is a fact of life. I also enjoyed the illustrations. The Worry Monster was great and gives the reader something real to look at. The young girl showed expressions throughout the story that could be discusses showing her confidence build. Overall, “Worry Says What?” is a good book about dealing with your worries that would be beneficial in families and classrooms where it is normal to have children with these issues. At the back there are three tips to helping your child overcome worry that reiterate what is taught in the story. The National Center for Youth Issues generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
September 14, 2018
This important book is written by Allison Edwards, a Licensed Professional Counselor, whose specialty is working with families and children. She is the author of the bestseller book "Why Smart Kids Worry". She takes us on a journey with a little girl who is plagued daily with a big hairy Monster called Worry which causes her anxiety and fear around everything she tries to do.
"Worry's songs tie my tummy up in knots,
and the things he says make my heart beat very fast.
Sometimes he speaks in a whisper, and other times
his voice gets so loud I can't hear anything else."
Worry is constantly giving her negative feedback about her decisions thus blocking her from making friends... ("They don't like you"), from doing well on her math test ( "It's too hard! You can't do it! You'll never get it right!"), or performing a handspring in gymnastics ("You'll fall. Everyone will laugh at you. You're gonna get hurt!") Oh my! Worry steals away her self-confidence and scares her so she doesn't even want to try! Everything she attempts to do he blankets with negativity and a sense of failure and doom.
She discovers her quality of life is driven by Worry and he is prohibiting her from having a happy, exciting life. She realizes the power he has over her and makes a bold decision to take back authority over her fears. She stands up and shouts, "I am DONE letting Worry be the boss of me!" Yes!!!!
The very next day she reclaims her emotions (and life) and tells Worry to take a hike because she's in charge now. She starts filling herself with positive words and feelings and as she does she notices one beautiful thing...Worry begins to shrink smaller and smaller. He realizes his power has been taken from him and decides and to move on to the next victim that he can terrorize and keep in bondage.
Personifying her worry as an intruding monster who sets up camp in her mind and heart makes him very real and much easier to deal with. The more she practises shunning and ignoring his constant yattering in her ear the easier it becomes to keep him at bay.
The author wisely includes three strategies that parents and teachers can use to help children understand and conquer their own Worry. This book should be included in classrooms and in school libraries. "Worry and anxiety are currently the top mental health issues among children and teens today. The problem is not with the worries themselves, but that children believe the worries to be true." I highly recommend this book and wish I had had its wisdom growing up as I was dubbed a classic worrywart from a very early age.
"Worry's songs tie my tummy up in knots,
and the things he says make my heart beat very fast.
Sometimes he speaks in a whisper, and other times
his voice gets so loud I can't hear anything else."
Worry is constantly giving her negative feedback about her decisions thus blocking her from making friends... ("They don't like you"), from doing well on her math test ( "It's too hard! You can't do it! You'll never get it right!"), or performing a handspring in gymnastics ("You'll fall. Everyone will laugh at you. You're gonna get hurt!") Oh my! Worry steals away her self-confidence and scares her so she doesn't even want to try! Everything she attempts to do he blankets with negativity and a sense of failure and doom.
She discovers her quality of life is driven by Worry and he is prohibiting her from having a happy, exciting life. She realizes the power he has over her and makes a bold decision to take back authority over her fears. She stands up and shouts, "I am DONE letting Worry be the boss of me!" Yes!!!!
The very next day she reclaims her emotions (and life) and tells Worry to take a hike because she's in charge now. She starts filling herself with positive words and feelings and as she does she notices one beautiful thing...Worry begins to shrink smaller and smaller. He realizes his power has been taken from him and decides and to move on to the next victim that he can terrorize and keep in bondage.
Personifying her worry as an intruding monster who sets up camp in her mind and heart makes him very real and much easier to deal with. The more she practises shunning and ignoring his constant yattering in her ear the easier it becomes to keep him at bay.
The author wisely includes three strategies that parents and teachers can use to help children understand and conquer their own Worry. This book should be included in classrooms and in school libraries. "Worry and anxiety are currently the top mental health issues among children and teens today. The problem is not with the worries themselves, but that children believe the worries to be true." I highly recommend this book and wish I had had its wisdom growing up as I was dubbed a classic worrywart from a very early age.
September 1, 2019
A full review on my blog
I received a complimentary copy of this book from National Center for Youth Issues through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The hero of this story, a Girl, has been living with a monster named Worry. He torments her all day, every day - telling her she’s not worthy of success, she’ll never have friends, she should just give up and not try anything. Will the Girl really give up, or will she learn to stand up to the monster and fight?
Allison Edwards has really found a way to reach kids on their level without simplifying the hardships of anxiety. I’ve read this book to a few kids in the library, and they all saw how easy it would have been to succumb to Worry and how brave the girl was for fighting him. And they all came to the conclusion that the next time they see a kid who looks uncertain or worried, they will reach out to them without waiting for an invitation. Because kids and adults alike know how hard it can be to ask for help when you’re dealing with anxiety.
We can’t forget to mention the illustrations that are expressive and colorful. I think it was a wonderful idea to keep changing the look of the monster as the story progressed. The fact that Worry becomes diminutive and scared when the Girl finds her strength and fights him, really shows how a lot of our worries come from within, therefore we can battle them and win.
This book can serve as a wonderful introduction to living with anxiety for kids who aren’t sure what anxiety really is. It can help kids identify the symptoms not only within themselves, but in their friends.
And for adults like me, who have never had to deal with anxiety, but were suddenly, brutally faced with it, “Worry says What” is a great reminder that it’s all in the head.
FIVE if-I-could-give-it-more-stars-I-would STARS
I received a complimentary copy of this book from National Center for Youth Issues through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The hero of this story, a Girl, has been living with a monster named Worry. He torments her all day, every day - telling her she’s not worthy of success, she’ll never have friends, she should just give up and not try anything. Will the Girl really give up, or will she learn to stand up to the monster and fight?
Allison Edwards has really found a way to reach kids on their level without simplifying the hardships of anxiety. I’ve read this book to a few kids in the library, and they all saw how easy it would have been to succumb to Worry and how brave the girl was for fighting him. And they all came to the conclusion that the next time they see a kid who looks uncertain or worried, they will reach out to them without waiting for an invitation. Because kids and adults alike know how hard it can be to ask for help when you’re dealing with anxiety.
We can’t forget to mention the illustrations that are expressive and colorful. I think it was a wonderful idea to keep changing the look of the monster as the story progressed. The fact that Worry becomes diminutive and scared when the Girl finds her strength and fights him, really shows how a lot of our worries come from within, therefore we can battle them and win.
This book can serve as a wonderful introduction to living with anxiety for kids who aren’t sure what anxiety really is. It can help kids identify the symptoms not only within themselves, but in their friends.
And for adults like me, who have never had to deal with anxiety, but were suddenly, brutally faced with it, “Worry says What” is a great reminder that it’s all in the head.
FIVE if-I-could-give-it-more-stars-I-would STARS
October 2, 2019
I came across this picture storybook while searching for children friendly books about mental health. "Worry Says What" addresses anxiety in an engaging, child-friendly way and uses well done illustrations to make the abstract idea of worry and anxiety more concrete. The story follows the first person point of view of a young girl in school who has a worry monster set up camp in her head. Worry tells her things like she can not do well on her test, her peers do not like her, she will get hurt during gymnastics, there is something scary in her bedroom, and when she listens to him, Worry grows. One night she has had enough of Worry, and she decides she is done letting worry be the boss of her. She tells herself things she knows to be true, including she can do hard things, she has lots of friends, she can do anything she is determined to do, and as she is not afraid, Worry shrinks. "Worry says what? Worry says nothing." The author, Allison Edwards, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and through this book and her tips for parents, she will help students everywhere who struggle with anxiety or know someone who struggles with anxiety. I would recommend this book as a read aloud for grades Kindergarten through second as a wonderful classroom tool for addressing and teaching students about anxiety. Students could discuss what their own worry monsters say, draw a picture, and then come up with a truth statement to counter Worry with. I will definitely read this book to my future students and already own it for my personal library.
September 30, 2018
Worry Says What? by Allison Edwards is an adorable picture book for kids about anxiety and how to deal with it. Worry is a fluffy monster who lives in the mind, and Whispers fretful things like 'you can't do this’ or 'people don't like you’. The more you listen options worry, the bigger it gets. But if you believe in yourself, and pay attention to what is actually going on, then worry diminishes. This is a great book to teach kids the value of mindfulness, and using affirmations to lessen worry. It presents a realistic view of things, too, by noting that worry may grow less, but it never completely goes away. I read this with my cubs and we all enjoyed it. It prompted a lot of discussion, too, as I suffer from generalized anxiety, managed by medication, and all of the worries listed in this book were amplified a hundredfold when I was a child. I have one in the family nearly as fretful as I was. A book, teacher, or family member with a grounding in mindfulness and affirmation may have helped mitigate the anxiety in my childhood, and bolstered confidence at a critical age. I think this is a great addition to any classroom, or child's personal library, teaching necessary skills in a fun way. Highly recommended!
***Many thanks to Netgalley and the National Centre for Youth Issues for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
***Many thanks to Netgalley and the National Centre for Youth Issues for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 31, 2018
*I received a copy of this eBook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
This is the second children's book I've read this year that has blown me away! Initially I was drawn to this book because I wanted to see how the topic of anxiety would be handled in a children's book. As a young girl, I worried about everything. I would get nervous everyday before school because I didn't know what to expect. Would the teacher call on me today? Would I have to read a paragraph out loud to the class (which by the way, I hated doing that), or would I have to run in P.E.? So much worried me back then, and it's still something I struggle with to this day.
Worry Says What? is a book that would've helped me back then. Something I could reference whenever my anxiety would start to kick in. Worry Says What is about a young girl who constantly gives in to her worries. 'Worry' is depicted as this monster that followers her around, feeding her negative thoughts. In the end, she ends up taking back her power which results in her becoming more sure of herself. The more she believes in herself, the smaller 'Worry' gets.
This was a five star read all around; I loved the message and the artwork. I will definitely be adding this to my bookshelf.
This is the second children's book I've read this year that has blown me away! Initially I was drawn to this book because I wanted to see how the topic of anxiety would be handled in a children's book. As a young girl, I worried about everything. I would get nervous everyday before school because I didn't know what to expect. Would the teacher call on me today? Would I have to read a paragraph out loud to the class (which by the way, I hated doing that), or would I have to run in P.E.? So much worried me back then, and it's still something I struggle with to this day.
Worry Says What? is a book that would've helped me back then. Something I could reference whenever my anxiety would start to kick in. Worry Says What is about a young girl who constantly gives in to her worries. 'Worry' is depicted as this monster that followers her around, feeding her negative thoughts. In the end, she ends up taking back her power which results in her becoming more sure of herself. The more she believes in herself, the smaller 'Worry' gets.
This was a five star read all around; I loved the message and the artwork. I will definitely be adding this to my bookshelf.
September 10, 2018
Worry Says What is written by Allison Edwards, a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with families and children. This is a wonderful book for children of all ages, focusing on how to overcome their fears in regards to worrying. It is also beautifully illustrated to help tell the story.
All children worry, whether it is about an upcoming test, making new friends, or bedtime monsters. This story explains a way for children to meet that worry head on, and gives examples on how to change that worry into something positive. Worrying also has a lot to do with self-esteem, and it is important for all parents to give their children the necessary tools for achieving a positive outlook and overcoming their fears.
I would definitely recommend this book to all parents of young children. I would like to thank Independent Book Publishers Association and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. My opinions are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
All children worry, whether it is about an upcoming test, making new friends, or bedtime monsters. This story explains a way for children to meet that worry head on, and gives examples on how to change that worry into something positive. Worrying also has a lot to do with self-esteem, and it is important for all parents to give their children the necessary tools for achieving a positive outlook and overcoming their fears.
I would definitely recommend this book to all parents of young children. I would like to thank Independent Book Publishers Association and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. My opinions are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
September 5, 2018
This is the story of a little girl who worries about everything. Will I do good in math, will other children like me, can I do well in gymnastics. Unfortunately it is a common problem with young children these days. I really like that the illustrator did not make the worry character scary. It made it's point but not to the point of fear. I also like the positive message of the girl overcoming this and how it was handled. There are also tips in the back of the book to use if you have a child who is a worrier, The book is direct and to the point and an easy read for any school age child. Hat's off to the author for bring attention to this ever growing problem with our children today.
October 11, 2018
A great story. Worry is a fuzzy monster in this tale. He whispers into his little girls head and tells her she cant do things, that things are scary, etc. Until our girl makes a plan to stop listening to Worry and show him the door. I love how the author has taken an idea or emotion and made it a living thing that can be talked to and seen. And sometime to stand up to and conquer. Plus, it isn’t hitting the reader on the head again over and over and over, with steps to make him go away. Just self confidence boosters.
November 19, 2018
I have really bad anxiety so I was super curious to see how this book handled it, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it addressed anxiety. Obviously this book isn’t going to be an end-all cure for your child’s worries, but I think it is a great place to start! It personifies “worry” in order help children visualize and defeat it. At the end of the book it also gives tips on how to help your children overcome worry.
I loved the illustrations, and it was easy to read and flowed nicely! I would recommend this to read to kids with anxiety and worries.
I loved the illustrations, and it was easy to read and flowed nicely! I would recommend this to read to kids with anxiety and worries.
September 5, 2018
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was written by a licensed therapist, and it is very well written. It helps children understand worry and anxiety and how to overcome it. The story is cute and very helpful. If you have a child with anxious thoughts or feelings, I highly suggest picking this up.
This book was written by a licensed therapist, and it is very well written. It helps children understand worry and anxiety and how to overcome it. The story is cute and very helpful. If you have a child with anxious thoughts or feelings, I highly suggest picking this up.
October 21, 2018
This book is excellent, very easy to understand and follow with some gorgeous images.
I loved the theme of the book and it is definitely one I would recommend to all parents should their children ever have doubts about their abilities-very well done and a lovely story to read - 5 stars!
I loved the theme of the book and it is definitely one I would recommend to all parents should their children ever have doubts about their abilities-very well done and a lovely story to read - 5 stars!
November 18, 2018
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. I loved that the author tackled a tough topic, and gave ways to help a child understand anxiety and make it it go away. I will be buying a copy of this to add to our bookshelf. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2018
This is such a great book and something I wish I had as a kid. Being someone who struggles with worry and anxiety I can deeply relate to this book. Also, the art style is absolutely ADORABLE!
March 8, 2020
This book rules.
June 29, 2025
Worry Says What? By Allison Edward’s, illustrated by Ayesha Rubio
Thank you @nationalcenterforyouthissues for the gifted copy!
This book illustrates how loud the voice of worry can be in your head as you go about your day. It will help children who suffer from anxiety or have a case of the worries to put into words their feelings and frustrations. The books is a day in the life of the main character and shows different scenarios where worry overcomes her throughout the day.
When the child decides to take back control, she uses positive affirmations to help balance herself out and take back her control. It’s a great book to read with kids at the beginning of the week is they deal with Sunday worries. In addition to the affirmations, there is also a cute little song kids can use as a tool when they start to feel worry take over. There are also tips in the back of the book.
This is definitely a good resource to have for teachers, caregivers and parents. Check out more resources on their website, ncyi.org .
Thank you @nationalcenterforyouthissues for the gifted copy!
This book illustrates how loud the voice of worry can be in your head as you go about your day. It will help children who suffer from anxiety or have a case of the worries to put into words their feelings and frustrations. The books is a day in the life of the main character and shows different scenarios where worry overcomes her throughout the day.
When the child decides to take back control, she uses positive affirmations to help balance herself out and take back her control. It’s a great book to read with kids at the beginning of the week is they deal with Sunday worries. In addition to the affirmations, there is also a cute little song kids can use as a tool when they start to feel worry take over. There are also tips in the back of the book.
This is definitely a good resource to have for teachers, caregivers and parents. Check out more resources on their website, ncyi.org .
December 5, 2019
I liked this book. It seems like a good starting place for talking to your child about worry and anxiety. I don't think that it's always as easy to get rid of worry as it shows in the book, but I think the way it was done is encouraging. I love how the main character realize worry is ruining her life, and I also liked how at the end she realizes that she is likely going to feel worried again but feels capable of handling it. There may be more struggle than was shown, but I think it is a great book to start opening the conversation for a kid to talk about worry and learn to deal with it in a healthy way.
October 24, 2020
I would recommend this book to teachers and parents, this could be used as a learning opportunity. The book shows children that everyone has that little voice inside them that tells them they can't do something. The great thing about the book is that the girl starts to believe in herself and ignores the monster and starts to do things and make friends. The book encourages confidence for the children that they can do hard math problems or they can do a backflip. The book also shows social anxiety that the voice is telling her no one likes her but in the end, she tells the voice to hush and she makes friends.
March 4, 2022
When kids feel a lot of worries throughout the day, they sometimes think specific thoughts that contribute to that worry, like “I’ll never get it right,” or “I won’t be able to do it.” These often keep them from trying the things they want to do. Instead of telling themselves these things, one strategy is to come up with an opposing, accurate thought to “talk back” to worry - like, “I might not get it the first time, but I can keep trying!” This book does a great job of describing the process of coming up with these thoughts and sticking with them when worry is bothering you!
August 29, 2018
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting tiny book for children and their parents about how you can face your fears.
It´s good for a worried child to know she or he is not alone with this problem.
I´d say it is a good complementary book to "Why Smart Kids Worry" or a similar book.
An interesting tiny book for children and their parents about how you can face your fears.
It´s good for a worried child to know she or he is not alone with this problem.
I´d say it is a good complementary book to "Why Smart Kids Worry" or a similar book.
September 10, 2021
Great picture book for young worriers!
I think this is a great book for elementary age children who struggle with worry. It gives them simple statements to counter the "Worry monster's" tactics. Clear, just the right length, good illustrations as well as suggestions for adults who love little worriers. I'd recommend it both as a grandparent and therapist!
I think this is a great book for elementary age children who struggle with worry. It gives them simple statements to counter the "Worry monster's" tactics. Clear, just the right length, good illustrations as well as suggestions for adults who love little worriers. I'd recommend it both as a grandparent and therapist!
March 19, 2020
Decent book for talking about small worries. Help tackle anxiety by facts & truths.
October 1, 2020
Should check out again later when this concept is one my kiddos needs help with.
April 10, 2025
A great book to start conversation.
January 13, 2026
I’m done letting “Worry” be the boss of me!
October 8, 2019
This is a story about a girl who always worries. She worries about her math work, outside, gymnastics, and sleeping at night. Worry takes over her life, but in the end she conquers worry and tell him she is not afraid anymore. I love how this books gives different examples of worries students may have in your classroom. I think this is a great book to have a read aloud with your students. When you have a student who worries in the classroom it is also great to read so they feel better about their worries. You could then have your students write down their worries and throw them away in a trashcan so they feel as if they "threw away" the worries they had.
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