“Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Reading/Interest Level

Picture book – Ages 4-7

Review and Comments

Sometimes a child’s small worry can quickly become an upsetting situation. This book addresses these concerns by defining exactly what a worry is and then continues to describe it in different ways as the story progresses – it’s real, it can cause sadness, it can be scary sometimes, and it can stay as long as you let it.

Examples of worrisome problems are illustrated with each fanciful image beginning with ”Suppose….”.  The event escalates from something silly like “Suppose, just suppose, one hundred elephants come to tea….” to a quick solution that is meant to acknowledge the worry and calm the situation.  These instructions will help a child realize that big worries can be handled with patience and practical ideas.  At the end of the book, helpful approaches are suggested so the worries don’t escalate into those 100 elephants coming for tea!

This book is similar to the previously reviewed book, What Do You Do With a Problem?.  Both books discuss real concerns for children – problems and worries.  Both books offer sound advice about how to deal with issues before they become overwhelming. 

Possible Concerns

There are no concerns with this book.

Further Discussion

Make a list (or booklet) showing all the ways to deal with a worry.

Learn a Bible verse (mentioned in the next section) to say as a prayer when faced with a worrisome situation.

Catholic Resources

Saints who were sources of strength and courage to others:

St. Catherine of Siena (Feast day April 29)

St. Perpetua (Feast day March 7)

St. Teresa of Avila (Feast day October 15)

St. Thomas More (Feast day July 9)

Read “Give God Control: 20 Bible verses to help during anxiety and fear” .