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It Will Be OK
A sweet, simple picture book about how to help a worried friend. Discover the power of listening and gain insight into dealing with anxiety and having empathy. Perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened and Be Kind.Sometimes the best thing we can do for our loved ones is to be present for as long as they need us.Giraffe and Zebra meet every day under their favorite tree to walk to the watering hole. But today, Giraffe isn't there! Where could he be? Zebra spots him hiding in the tree; Giraffe has seen a spider and is scared silly. Zebra patiently talks to Giraffe and does the very best supports Giraffe for as long as Giraffe needs it.It Will Be OK is perfect classrooms and teachers looking for books on feelings, social emotional learning, mindfulness and social skillsSchool counselors and children's therapists looking for bibliotherapy books for childrenParents looking for books on kindness, facing fears, teaching empathy, anxiety, and listeningAnyone who wants a beautifully illustrated story on the power of friendshipIncludes educational backmatter with suggestions on what to do when you are worried or anxious, how to help a worried friend, and the definition of empathy.
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Published March 2, 2021
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February 3, 2021
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As the introduction for the book states this is “a story of empathy, kindness and friendship”. Empathy is a difficult thing to explain to a young child and I think this book does a very good job with it.
Zebra and Giraffe meet every day to walk to the watering hole together. But today Zebra couldn’t find Giraffe. Finally he looked up and spotted Giraffe sitting high up in a tree. Naturally he asked him why he was up there and what he was doing.
Feeling embarrassed but still worried Giraffe tells Zebra that he is afraid of a spider that is nearby. Zebra tries to explain to Giraffe that he is bigger, faster and stronger than the little spider but Giraffe is still afraid, “Your eyelashes are longer than its legs”. Finally, Zebra gives up talking and just stays close by. Giraffe expected Zebra to leave but he waited, and waited and waited.
Finally as the sun is dipping down in the sky Giraffe could no longer see the spider. He decided to finally get down. Giraffe tells Zebra “Thank you for staying by my side even if it seemed silly” and Zebra replies It’s not silly if it bothered you. I’m always here for you” Zebra smiled.
At the end of the book the author discusses what empathy is. “If you know someone is feeling scared or anxious, you can help them by showing empathy, like Zebra did. That means trying to understand what another person is feeling. Stay with them until they feel better. If your friend is still struggling it’s o.k. to get a trusted adult to help you.”
This is a short little book with a big message. I liked the simple drawings that conveyed the feelings without distracting from the message of feeling empathy for a friend.
I would recommend this book for ages 4 and up.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This book is set to be published on February 2, 2021
As the introduction for the book states this is “a story of empathy, kindness and friendship”. Empathy is a difficult thing to explain to a young child and I think this book does a very good job with it.
Zebra and Giraffe meet every day to walk to the watering hole together. But today Zebra couldn’t find Giraffe. Finally he looked up and spotted Giraffe sitting high up in a tree. Naturally he asked him why he was up there and what he was doing.
Feeling embarrassed but still worried Giraffe tells Zebra that he is afraid of a spider that is nearby. Zebra tries to explain to Giraffe that he is bigger, faster and stronger than the little spider but Giraffe is still afraid, “Your eyelashes are longer than its legs”. Finally, Zebra gives up talking and just stays close by. Giraffe expected Zebra to leave but he waited, and waited and waited.
Finally as the sun is dipping down in the sky Giraffe could no longer see the spider. He decided to finally get down. Giraffe tells Zebra “Thank you for staying by my side even if it seemed silly” and Zebra replies It’s not silly if it bothered you. I’m always here for you” Zebra smiled.
At the end of the book the author discusses what empathy is. “If you know someone is feeling scared or anxious, you can help them by showing empathy, like Zebra did. That means trying to understand what another person is feeling. Stay with them until they feel better. If your friend is still struggling it’s o.k. to get a trusted adult to help you.”
This is a short little book with a big message. I liked the simple drawings that conveyed the feelings without distracting from the message of feeling empathy for a friend.
I would recommend this book for ages 4 and up.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This book is set to be published on February 2, 2021
February 3, 2026
This is a children's book. Giraffe is super scared of spiders, and when Giraffe sees a spider climbs a tree. Zebra stays to help calms down Giraffe, and to be a great friend to Giraffe. I think this book is super cute, and the message that real friends stays with you though hard times is a great message. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
This has became one of my sons favorite book, and I have since brought a copy of this book for him. He makes everyone in the house read it to him all the time.
This has became one of my sons favorite book, and I have since brought a copy of this book for him. He makes everyone in the house read it to him all the time.
September 23, 2021
Giraffe and Zebra meet every day to go to the watering hole together, but Zebra can't seem to find Giraffe.
Giraffe is admittedly up a tree, scared out of their wits by a spider, too afraid to come down.
The power of friendship, understanding and kindness is demonstrated here in a very kid-friendly way.
The larger-than-life illustrations by Jaclyn Sinquett and Lisa Katzenberger's words perfectly meld together to help those who may have anxiety or other stress issues. It's also a testament and reminder for us all to be kind and place ourselves in someone else's shoes.
Giraffe is admittedly up a tree, scared out of their wits by a spider, too afraid to come down.
The power of friendship, understanding and kindness is demonstrated here in a very kid-friendly way.
The larger-than-life illustrations by Jaclyn Sinquett and Lisa Katzenberger's words perfectly meld together to help those who may have anxiety or other stress issues. It's also a testament and reminder for us all to be kind and place ourselves in someone else's shoes.
February 25, 2021
This IS a powerful story of empathy, kindness, and friendship. But it is also a story that speaks strongly to me as the parent of kids with anxiety. Anxiety often isn't rational. In this book, Giraffe has an irrational fear...but Zebra points out that no fear is silly if it bothers you. And Zebra stays by Giraffe's side. A great book for little ones with anxiety but also a good way to start conversations about anxiety, empathy, kindness, and friendship with older kids.
November 16, 2020
Can I be friends with Zebra and Giraffe... and Spider? Lisa Katzenberger brings to life extraordinarily vibrant characters in this sweet picture book. There's humor for days (“Your eyelashes are longer than its legs.”) and patience exhibited in a subtle way that somehow imbues kindness without the heavy-handedness trap that is so easy to fall into. I absolutely adore the endpapers and the gorgeous illustrations. The back matter is a perfect place to open important SEL conversations.
December 7, 2020
This is a sweet story of how one friend helps another through an experience of feeling worried and scared. Zebra also displayed how important it is for us to be there for our friends during tough times. It could be an important conversation starter.
Early digital review copy received from NetGalley.
Early digital review copy received from NetGalley.
September 23, 2022
This really is an adorable story of empathy, kindness, and friendship, showing the importance of listening and being there for as long as people need us. With simple text and sweet illustrations, along with a poignant message, this book is great for all readers.
I love how it showed what people (or animals) can do when they are worried, but also what we can do when our friend is worried.
At the back of the book you can find more advice on what to do when you are feeling worried; what can you do when you are feeling anxious; having empathy; and how can you help a worried friend.
The students really resonated with this book. I finished the lesson with some belly breathing and it worked great.
I love how it showed what people (or animals) can do when they are worried, but also what we can do when our friend is worried.
At the back of the book you can find more advice on what to do when you are feeling worried; what can you do when you are feeling anxious; having empathy; and how can you help a worried friend.
The students really resonated with this book. I finished the lesson with some belly breathing and it worked great.
November 11, 2022
Great story about simply sitting with someone as a caring way to offer empathy.
Read
December 16, 2023Might be a good book for the right audience. I didn't manage to appreciate it, though. Well, except for near the end, when giraffe tries to strike up a friendship with spider. I think that it is true that everyone needs to become more empathetic... for example, right now I'm doing my darndest to understand what the Moms for Liberty and the MAGA people are so afraid of. But except for that one spread, that is not what the book is about. So, I dunno. If you've got a fretful child, take a look for yourself.
January 9, 2021
I love that even though this book talks about the topic of feeling worried and anxious, it is a very kid-relatable book and the lesson is interwoven in a natural way. Giraffe is worried about a spider and even though Zebra tries showing Giraffe there is no reason to be concerned, Zebra respects his feeling and stands by his side the whole time. The illustrations by Jaclyn Sinquett are really cute and I love seeing Giraffe's facial expressions.
A great book to talk about a topic that affects so many kids or their friends and families.
And the backmatter giving some suggestions on how to act when feeling worried or how to help a friend with anxiety is a great addition.
A great book to talk about a topic that affects so many kids or their friends and families.
And the backmatter giving some suggestions on how to act when feeling worried or how to help a friend with anxiety is a great addition.
February 12, 2021
This was the cutest book about being different and friendship . It was about it is okay to be scared of things and that your true friends will alway be there for you. I loved the pictures and illustrations , this is one I will definitely buy for school and at home.
August 30, 2022
This is the perfect addition to any child counselor's library. Teaching children to manage fears and phobias, through a sweet giraffe- whom we can all relate too at one time or another. And sometimes the best thing we can do for our loved ones is listen and be present, for as long as they need us.
December 30, 2020
Blogger’s Note: Thank you to Sourcebooks Kids for the gifted copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review!
Empathy is such a hard concept to teach young kids. With two young kids, my husband and I are currently at the stage where we need to constantly reinforce good behavior and teach our little ones life lessons like manners, respect and how to show kindness towards others. The book, “It Will Be OK” arrived on our doorstep at the perfect time. When I opened the package, I didn’t realize that this children’s book would be an essential read for every single member of our family.
In the story, the main characters Giraffe and Zebra are walking together to the watering hole when all of a sudden, Zebra notices that Giraffe is stuck up in a tree scared of a spider and refusing to come down! The book details an entertaining exchange between the two friends which includes all of the typical questions and statements that a parent might make to a child afraid of something.
“But you are stronger than the spider,” said Zebra.
“You’re as solid as stone and he’s as wispy as the wind.”
“It Will Be OK” by Lisa Katzenberger
The tale of the two friends then takes an interesting turn. The Zebra decides to be patient, kind and empathetic towards Giraffe. He models what it means to be a good friend and helps Giraffe to work through his fear of the spider.
As we read the book, my kids became friends with Zebra and Giraffe. They cheered when Giraffe overcame his fear. They talked about how the spider was cute and how he wasn’t scary at all. My little ones loved the book, the illustrations and the endearing characters.
As a parent, I loved the book because it provided our young readers with the confidence to do two things.
If you’re afraid- it is OK to be scared… and it is OK to overcome that fear!
If a someone near you is scared… be a good friend and help them.
The book provided some concrete examples of things that children (and adults!) can do to help others in times of anxiety, stress and fear. What a good reminder for everyone in our family! It is also important to note that although this book is fundamentally sound and demonstrates a purposeful learning component, our children enjoyed the story. They have asked to read this same book over and over again, to revisit these characters who have now taken up a residence inside all of our hearts.
Recommendations: This should be an auto-buy for anyone with young kids. Highly recommend!
Happy Reading!
Empathy is such a hard concept to teach young kids. With two young kids, my husband and I are currently at the stage where we need to constantly reinforce good behavior and teach our little ones life lessons like manners, respect and how to show kindness towards others. The book, “It Will Be OK” arrived on our doorstep at the perfect time. When I opened the package, I didn’t realize that this children’s book would be an essential read for every single member of our family.
In the story, the main characters Giraffe and Zebra are walking together to the watering hole when all of a sudden, Zebra notices that Giraffe is stuck up in a tree scared of a spider and refusing to come down! The book details an entertaining exchange between the two friends which includes all of the typical questions and statements that a parent might make to a child afraid of something.
“But you are stronger than the spider,” said Zebra.
“You’re as solid as stone and he’s as wispy as the wind.”
“It Will Be OK” by Lisa Katzenberger
The tale of the two friends then takes an interesting turn. The Zebra decides to be patient, kind and empathetic towards Giraffe. He models what it means to be a good friend and helps Giraffe to work through his fear of the spider.
As we read the book, my kids became friends with Zebra and Giraffe. They cheered when Giraffe overcame his fear. They talked about how the spider was cute and how he wasn’t scary at all. My little ones loved the book, the illustrations and the endearing characters.
As a parent, I loved the book because it provided our young readers with the confidence to do two things.
If you’re afraid- it is OK to be scared… and it is OK to overcome that fear!
If a someone near you is scared… be a good friend and help them.
The book provided some concrete examples of things that children (and adults!) can do to help others in times of anxiety, stress and fear. What a good reminder for everyone in our family! It is also important to note that although this book is fundamentally sound and demonstrates a purposeful learning component, our children enjoyed the story. They have asked to read this same book over and over again, to revisit these characters who have now taken up a residence inside all of our hearts.
Recommendations: This should be an auto-buy for anyone with young kids. Highly recommend!
Happy Reading!
December 31, 2020
What is a great empathy book for elementary kids (and honestly everyone, even adults!)?
It Will Be Ok: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship by Lisa Katzenberger is!
When your best friend is afraid of something that you are not afraid of, how do you handle it? Do you get mad at them, make fun of them, or do you support them?
When Zebra goes looking for Giraffe for their daily walk and he finds his friend up in a tree. Why is a giraffe up in a tree you ask? It's because he was afraid of a spider. Zebra tried to reason with him by telling him that he is bigger and stronger than the spider.
Did that help Giraffe? No!
This is where Zebra could have told Giraffe that he was being silly or dumb, but he didn't. Zebra laid down and patiently waited for his friend to process his fears. He was being a great friend!
Does Giraffe ever get over his fears and come out of the tree?
You will have to read this incredible story to find out how Giraffe deals with is anxieties, worries, and fears!
Why I love this book!
This book reminds me so much of me and my daughter! I am the Zebra and Meagan is Giraffe. Meagan has anxiety issues about things that do not bother me. For the longest time, I would get frustrated with her because I didn't understand how she could worry about something that I didn't worry about. Over time I finally realized that it doesn't matter if it bothers me, it bothers her and that is all that matters. I quickly turned from being judgemental to supportive.
To me, this book is not just for children, but for adults also! Zebra is the friend that we all should be! Every school library should have a copy of this book!!
Don’t miss this one!
#blazertales #itwillbeok #lisakatzenberger #sourcebooks #jaclynsinquett
It Will Be Ok: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship by Lisa Katzenberger is!
When your best friend is afraid of something that you are not afraid of, how do you handle it? Do you get mad at them, make fun of them, or do you support them?
When Zebra goes looking for Giraffe for their daily walk and he finds his friend up in a tree. Why is a giraffe up in a tree you ask? It's because he was afraid of a spider. Zebra tried to reason with him by telling him that he is bigger and stronger than the spider.
Did that help Giraffe? No!
This is where Zebra could have told Giraffe that he was being silly or dumb, but he didn't. Zebra laid down and patiently waited for his friend to process his fears. He was being a great friend!
Does Giraffe ever get over his fears and come out of the tree?
You will have to read this incredible story to find out how Giraffe deals with is anxieties, worries, and fears!
Why I love this book!
This book reminds me so much of me and my daughter! I am the Zebra and Meagan is Giraffe. Meagan has anxiety issues about things that do not bother me. For the longest time, I would get frustrated with her because I didn't understand how she could worry about something that I didn't worry about. Over time I finally realized that it doesn't matter if it bothers me, it bothers her and that is all that matters. I quickly turned from being judgemental to supportive.
To me, this book is not just for children, but for adults also! Zebra is the friend that we all should be! Every school library should have a copy of this book!!
Don’t miss this one!
#blazertales #itwillbeok #lisakatzenberger #sourcebooks #jaclynsinquett
January 25, 2021
It Will Be Okay by Lisa Katzenberger
The world needs more books like this, books that don’t assume that children can necessarily overcome their fears, especially in the short timeframe that most picture books seem to allow. In this book, Zebra comes across his friend Giraffe hiding in a tree. It turns out that giraffe is afraid of a spider he saw. At first Zebra tries to convince him that he is bigger and stronger than the spider, but the giraffe is still afraid. The giraffe seemed to know it was a bit silly that he was afraid of something so small, but he couldn’t help it. He was scared and he was worried, and he was also embarrassed.
But here’s the extraordinary part. Instead of finally convincing giraffe to come down, or leaving in frustration, “Zebra waited. And then waited some more.” Finally, as the day was ending, Giraffe finally got up the nerve to get down from the tree. Draft thanks Zebra for waiting, even though it seemed silly. And here is something that every friend, parent, and teacher needs to take note of. Zebra says, “It’s not silly if it bothered you. I’m always here for you.”
Sometimes, we can use reason to talk children out of fears that we feel are unwarranted. But sometimes, we have to wait for them to deal with them on their own. No one is served when we become impatient.
It turns out that Giraffe is able to overcome his fears with friend Zebra by his side. It’s a lovely book. The end matters have some suggestions for children who are dealing with their own anxiety as well as that of their friends.
The illustrations are just lovely, and I found each of the animals so relatable and adorable. I also liked the spotted endpapers at the beginning and the striped ones at the end. A delightful book all in all.
The world needs more books like this, books that don’t assume that children can necessarily overcome their fears, especially in the short timeframe that most picture books seem to allow. In this book, Zebra comes across his friend Giraffe hiding in a tree. It turns out that giraffe is afraid of a spider he saw. At first Zebra tries to convince him that he is bigger and stronger than the spider, but the giraffe is still afraid. The giraffe seemed to know it was a bit silly that he was afraid of something so small, but he couldn’t help it. He was scared and he was worried, and he was also embarrassed.
But here’s the extraordinary part. Instead of finally convincing giraffe to come down, or leaving in frustration, “Zebra waited. And then waited some more.” Finally, as the day was ending, Giraffe finally got up the nerve to get down from the tree. Draft thanks Zebra for waiting, even though it seemed silly. And here is something that every friend, parent, and teacher needs to take note of. Zebra says, “It’s not silly if it bothered you. I’m always here for you.”
Sometimes, we can use reason to talk children out of fears that we feel are unwarranted. But sometimes, we have to wait for them to deal with them on their own. No one is served when we become impatient.
It turns out that Giraffe is able to overcome his fears with friend Zebra by his side. It’s a lovely book. The end matters have some suggestions for children who are dealing with their own anxiety as well as that of their friends.
The illustrations are just lovely, and I found each of the animals so relatable and adorable. I also liked the spotted endpapers at the beginning and the striped ones at the end. A delightful book all in all.
September 20, 2023
It Will Be OK: A story of empathy, kindness, and friendship by Lisa Katzenbrger is a story about a Giraffe and Zebra that are supposed to go to the watering hole together, but when Zebra can’t find Giraffe he looks around to find he is stuck in a tree. The giraffe is in the tree because he was scared of a spider; so Zebra waits for Giraffe to come back down the tree and when he does they both see the spider. Giraffe is no longer afraid of it though because of Zebra’s support and the spider is actually now afraid of the Giraffe. This follows a theme of kindness and friendship as Zebra doesn’t make Giraffe feel bad about being afraid but instead stays by his side until he is no longer scared. The secondary reading that correlates with this picture book would be Edward Lear’s playfulness and absurdity being used to communicate a message to the audience, as the animals are illustrated with clothes on and a giraffe is afraid of a spider. The animals having clothes on is something that in reality wouldn’t occur; thus making them more human-like and make the audience follow the lesson they learn more closely as they are portrayed more like the readers. The giraffe being afraid of spiders allows kids to relate to the giraffe, as most kids are afraid of them too, but is also absurd in the respect that a giraffe is way bigger than a spider.
September 18, 2023
In “It Will Be OK” by Lisa Katzenberger, a giraffe is petrified of a spider. The giraffe holds onto a brand on top of the tree and refuses to get down. His friend, the zebra, thinks he is absolutely ridiculous for the way he was behaving. However, the zebra stays with the giraffe and helps him through this difficult time. The giraffe is thankful and feels brave with his friend by his side. This book is a wonderful example of how true friends help one another, even if it may seem a little silly. The zebra stuck to the giraffe’s side and helped him get down from the tree and face his fears of spider. The zebra may have felt it was dramatic, but the act of helping his friend outweighed his own opinions. In this book, the author uses the concept of nonsense. In the real world, a giraffe would never be scared of a spider. However, the use of nonsense creates that dramatic juxtaposition to show the audience that the zebra helped the giraffe, despite how insane the situation was. Thus, the book teachers children the valuable lesson of staying true to their friends and being empathetic toward others.
September 20, 2023
“It Will Be OK” by Lisa Katzenberger is about how a Zebra and Giraffe are best friends who had plans to go to a watering hole, but a fear of spiders stopped that plan. While Giraffe is held up in a tree too scared to get down, Zebra is down on the ground, trying to give compliments to Giraffe about how his qualities can overpower his fear for the spider. When Giraffe still doesn’t come down, Zebra waits and stays by the tree and supports Giraffe by just being there for him and waiting it out. Once Giraffe has the courage to come down, he thanks Zebra for staying by his side, and Zebra doesn’t undermine Giraffe’s fear. They both eventually see the spider, and it shows how the spider is actually scared of Giraffe and goes back to the tree, so Giraffe and Zebra both wait by the tree to comfort the spider. Because my central concept is friendship, it added the idea of empathy and a support system. It’s important for kids to read and understand how empathy can be a form of support in a friendship, and just being there for a friend can be enough. In Heyman and Shortsleeve’s Nonsense, they describe readings to be “associated with that which is unnatural, distorted, bizarre, ludicrous, or fantastically absurd” (133). This describes the way a giraffe and zebra are the main characters, acting like humans, being best friends, and being scared of a spider.
March 30, 2025
It Will Be Ok: A Story of Empathy, Kindness and Friendship is about friendship and how a good friend offers listening ears and sticks by his friend's side through thick and thin.
In this story, the tall and mighty giraffe climbs the top of the tree because he is frightened by a wispy spider. His friend Zebra, who looks cool in a blue stripe, keeps encouraging him to climb down from the tree top, giving him reasons that his eye lashes are even bigger than the spider. Sometimes, one can be afraid of small things, which leads to a freeze response. But the Giraffe takes every opportunity to avoid confronting the creepy spider. Zebra, as a good friend, understands Giraffe's feelings and sticks by his side. He doesn't give up on his friendship or his friend. Finally, Giraffe garners some courage to come down from the tall tree by unwrapping his body around it. As he climbs down, he notices the spider, who eventually climbs up the tree. His jovial friend Zebra cracks a joke, saying that now the spider is afraid of Giraffe.
PS. A story which so beautifully shows the power of friendship
In this story, the tall and mighty giraffe climbs the top of the tree because he is frightened by a wispy spider. His friend Zebra, who looks cool in a blue stripe, keeps encouraging him to climb down from the tree top, giving him reasons that his eye lashes are even bigger than the spider. Sometimes, one can be afraid of small things, which leads to a freeze response. But the Giraffe takes every opportunity to avoid confronting the creepy spider. Zebra, as a good friend, understands Giraffe's feelings and sticks by his side. He doesn't give up on his friendship or his friend. Finally, Giraffe garners some courage to come down from the tall tree by unwrapping his body around it. As he climbs down, he notices the spider, who eventually climbs up the tree. His jovial friend Zebra cracks a joke, saying that now the spider is afraid of Giraffe.
PS. A story which so beautifully shows the power of friendship
Read
January 28, 2024Zebra and Giraffe go to the watering hole together each afternoon but this time Zebra found Giraffe hiding in a tree. There was a spider in the tree so Giraffe was scared. Zebra tried to comfort him and say that he is much bigger and faster than the spider but he is still scared. Zebra is scared and won't come out of the tree. He is even embarrassed to be scared of a spider in front of his friend. Zebra stays with Giraffe and patiently waits and helps until he isn't scared anymore.
I enjoyed reading this book because it was heartwarming to see friends helping each other out when they are scared. It is just so much better when you have friends to help you through your struggles in life.
I can use this in my classroom to teach my students that it is okay to ask for help when you are scared or worried. Sharing your worries to a friend and talking about your fears will make it better. Having a friend to help you through those situations is better than dealing it with yourself. If your friend can't help you then finding an adult would be a good option.
I enjoyed reading this book because it was heartwarming to see friends helping each other out when they are scared. It is just so much better when you have friends to help you through your struggles in life.
I can use this in my classroom to teach my students that it is okay to ask for help when you are scared or worried. Sharing your worries to a friend and talking about your fears will make it better. Having a friend to help you through those situations is better than dealing it with yourself. If your friend can't help you then finding an adult would be a good option.
February 3, 2021
Adorable story about kindness, patience, and empathy. Giraffe is stuck in a tree after seeing a spider and he’s scared to come back down. His friend Zebra tells him its okay, but Giraffe is still afraid. The story continues as Zebra patiently reassures his fried that he’ll wait for him, and that its okay to be scared of things sometimes. I liked how Giraffe expressed that he felt embarrassed about feeling this way, and Zebra told him not to feel bad. This is a great conversation for young readers to see; it shows that it’s okay to be vulnerable, and how we should be kind to our friends that are feeling troubled. The illustrations are super cute and cheerful. Great for classroom discussions about friendship and kindness. Love this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Katzenberger (author) and Jaclyn Sinquett Illustrator) for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Katzenberger (author) and Jaclyn Sinquett Illustrator) for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2021
I will be adding this book to my social/emotional collection in my preschool classroom. It is difficult to find books about anxiety for under 5's but this one hits the nail on the head perfectly. Giraffe who can't go with his friend because he is worried about a spider, knows that his fear is irrational but his friend zebra, listens to his fears and waits until giraffe is ready. Zebra tells Giraffe that his fear isn't silly if it bothered him, he shows empathy and understanding and shares a message that friends can help us with our fears, but also it is okay to be worried by things. I love the resolution of the story, rather than 'curing' Giraffes fear, it shows the comfort of an understanding friend and the message that being afraid is perfectly normal. Bravo for this modern take on worry, anxiety and friendship!
October 24, 2020
Together Katzenberger and Sinquett pack quite an emotional punch in this rather simple story of friendship. Giraffe's worries are real. He knows it's only a spider, but no matter how many rational arguments his friend Zebra makes to help dispel his fears, Giraffe can't put them aside. Even though Giraffe's fears keep him from joining Zebra on their usual trek to the watering hole and even though Zebra doesn't understand Giraffe's irrational fear of the spider, he doesn't give up on his friend. He doesn't tease Giraffe. He doesn't make fun of Giraffe. He simply waits which is exactly what Giraffe needs. An unexpected twist at the end brings the emotional impact full-circle in this sweet, tender story about the power of "showing up".
October 6, 2020
IT WILL BE OK
By L. Katzenberger
(Illustrated by J. Sinquett)
This sweet picture book is perfect for young readers. Gentle, soothing text paired with beautiful illustrations tells the story of an anxious giraffe and his patient zebra friend.
A great introduction to anxiety, worries, and the power of friendship in times of need.
Back matter about the symptoms of anxiety and how to manage it as well as how to support friends experiencing anxiety is a great complement and extension to the story.
An important, beautiful read for preschoolers and lower elementary.
#bookstagram #kidlit #bookreview
By L. Katzenberger
(Illustrated by J. Sinquett)
This sweet picture book is perfect for young readers. Gentle, soothing text paired with beautiful illustrations tells the story of an anxious giraffe and his patient zebra friend.
A great introduction to anxiety, worries, and the power of friendship in times of need.
Back matter about the symptoms of anxiety and how to manage it as well as how to support friends experiencing anxiety is a great complement and extension to the story.
An important, beautiful read for preschoolers and lower elementary.
#bookstagram #kidlit #bookreview
October 25, 2020
If your kids have ever felt worried, scared or nervous or had a friend who did then this is a must-have for your shelves. With heartwarming illustrations and gentle text this sweet book beautifully illustrates what it is like to feel worried, what you can do when you feel anxious, having empathy, and helping a friend when they are worried. It is the story of giraffe who becomes frozen when he comes face to face with one of his fears. Zebra remains by his side for as long as it takes and shows what it means to be there for a friend. Please note that I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy of this beautiful new book in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2020
Sometimes we feel scared – terrified even – of something that may seem silly to others. Like a tall giraffe being scared of a tiny spider. It’s not rational, but that doesn’t make the fear any less real. It’s with this understanding that Zebra supports Giraffe, waiting until he’s ready to climb down the tree he scaled when he spotted a spider. This sweet tale of friendship and empathy does a beautiful job of showing how to comfort and support a friend who needs a little help to be brave and face fears. Reassuring text pairs with bright, endearing illustrations. I could’ve used this book when I was a kid! Highly recommended!
December 20, 2020
I don’t know anyone who hasn’t succumbed to irrational fears at least once in their lives. Our minds realize that the fears may be unfounded but it’s still hard to convince ourselves to “just get over it.” In THIS WILL BE OK, author Lisa Katzenberger gently guides the reader through the process of overcoming and pushing through our fears without pushing or cajoling. The sweetly whimsical art by Jacklyn Sinquett helps to keep the book from being sappy and yet is soothing at the same time. This is truly a perfect book for every kid because I think everyone will need it—some often and some occasionally.
January 25, 2021
This is a great topic for children who are feeling like Giraffe (irrationally scared of something) and for children to learn from Zebra’s reaction (was empathetic, and did not abandon Giraffe). At first I thought Zebra’s reactions were a little snarky, but that is true to how others usually respond when one person is scared and they are not...and I liked that once Zebra realized just how upset Giraffe was, Zebra just let the topic go and settled in to wait and offer support. I liked the simple illustrations, but found their clothes a little unnecessary and of course it makes no sense scientifically speaking that Giraffe would climb a tree...
November 16, 2020
The first thing I noticed about this book was how relatable it is. Giraffe has climbed a tree to get away from a tiny spider. Giraffe's friend Zebra is trying to help by explaining how irrational it is for a giant giraffe to be scared of a tiny spider. But regardless of how irrational it seems, the fear is still real. Whether the reader is someone who's scared of shadows, bugs, vegetables, etc - or they're the person who's trying to comfort someone who's scared, this is a helpful and beautiful book.
December 18, 2020
This lovely, gentle book does a wonderful job at modeling how friends can help each other through big emotions. In the story, Giraffe is scared of a spider. Zebra at first points out all the reasons why Giraffe shouldn't be scared, but when he realizes that Giraffe is still afraid he simply sits with his friend and waits for that fear to dissipate. A humorous twist at the end brings the message of the story home. Nice back matter speaks in a kid-friendly way to the topics of having fear/worry/anxiety; having empathy; and helping a worried friend.
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