When I Feel Worried

August 1, 2013

PreS-K-Spelman succinctly explores causes for a young child's worry and then shows positive ways to dispel negative feelings, such as telling an adult, being held, and listening to music. In double-page scenes, an anthropomorphic hamster expresses being worried about doctors, crowds, yelling, swimming, and more. The narrator's rabbit, cat, and dog acquaintances bring cheer and keep the topic light. The brief text and appealing illustrations broaden the book's appeal. Solid bibliotherapy.-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2013
Spelman and Parkinson continue their sensitive exploration of childhood emotions with this latest entry in their The Way I Feel series. An unnamed little guinea pig narrates, describing in just one sentence per page different situations that make her feel worried. She is worried when she isn't sure what is happening or when people argue or when she has to try something new. The charming illustrations extend the text by creating a believable setting for each sort of worry, using a variety of endearing animal characters. Though it isn't spelled out in the text, the reader can see that the little guinea pig is nervous about going to the doctor, afraid to get in the swimming pool and worried about the consequences of coloring on the wall of her bedroom. And she is very worried about going to school, sensitively handled with several pages of adult characters helping her get over her fears. The satisfying conclusion shows a more confident guinea-pig girl who understands her feelings and knows how to handle them. This amusing but satisfying story will ease the worries of a nervous child or help more confident children to be more empathetic to the needs of a worried friend. (author's note) (Picture book. 2-5)

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September 15, 2013
Preschool-G The latest volume in the dependable The Way I Feel series tackles the problem of worrying and offers practical advice for young children. A little guinea pig, fully dressed, confesses that she feels worried when she doesn't know what's happening, when someone seems angry, and when she has to do something she has never done before. She has learned to handle the wobbly, weak feeling, though, by telling someone about it, by doing things that make her happy (art, music, and outdoor play), and by realizing that although everyone worries sometimes, the feeling doesn't last. The colorful line-and-wash pictures illustrate a variety of childlike scenarios related to the text. Spelman's reassuring, matter-of-fact tone is as helpful as the sensible advice she offers. A related note to parents and teachers suggests shielding kids from disquieting news reports and discusses how to help them manage everyday anxieties. An appealing, supportive resource for young children.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2014
A young guinea pig faces common anxieties, and her family, teachers, and friends help her find ways to articulate her worries and soothe herself. Sunny illustrations of supportive roly-poly rabbits, cats, and dogs underscore the warm, optimistic message. An opening note reminds adults that all children worry and recommends simple coping skills and modes of reassurance.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)