THE WORRY BALLOON

Childhood anxieties are tamed with the help of a loving adult and coping methods.

Isla remembers a time when her biggest problems would melt away with a snuggle from Mami. Now, as she faces her first day of school, her mind is swirling with nonstop worries and what-ifs. Isla shares her fears with Mami, who talks her through a visualization exercise involving putting her worries in an imaginary balloon and letting it float away. As Isla and Mami walk to school, Isla focuses on her breathing and the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of her neighborhood. When they reach school and Isla’s anxiety surges, Mami reminds Isla to “try picturing what you want to see happen” and to “try making it something happy,” which helps her transition into the school day. While Isla’s worries haven’t disappeared for good, they have quieted thanks to positive self-talk and other strategies she’s practiced with Mami. Inviting illustrations include powerful visual representations of what it feels like to be frozen in fear—tree roots extending from Isla’s feet as she feels literally anchored to the ground; her legs stuck in quicksand—in addition to cheerful, reassuring scenes. Anxious readers will recognize themselves in Isla’s struggle and perhaps learn a new way of approaching their fears. Isla and her mom are Latine, with brown skin and wavy brown hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sure to help kids conquer first-day-of-school fears.