The Worry (Less) Book

May 15, 2020
A comic-book primer on anxiety. In this follow-up to the remarkable Consent (For Kids!) (2019), a variety of cartoon characters learn what anxiety is, how it can affect the body and mind, and how to manage or even overcome it. Anxiety is depicted as a lumpy gray blob, like unappetizing oatmeal with eyes and the occasional limb, but isn't demonized. At first readers learn that "Anxiety can alert us to a threat," as the blob helpfully yells, "Look out!" while pointing at a sign labeled "Danger." Brian continues: "But it can also feel uncomfortable," as a child gets stuck in the blob. The brain also shows up as a character, a strangely endearing figure that talks back but can also be fooled. This entertaining, appealing, and friendly guide will be immensely helpful for readers of all ages, and it succeeds in being simple, direct, and clear without a hint of condescension. In the grayscale art with pops of yellow, child characters are depicted with various skin tones and hairstyles; one uses a wheelchair. Brian encourages readers to work hard to confront their anxieties, without assigning blame or fault if they can't, and the concrete, practical tips offered are invaluable. Despite the serious topic, it's also consistently funny, with fears both familiar and ridiculous presented in similarly arch tones. Excellent and absolutely necessary. (Graphic nonfiction. 6-10)

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September 1, 2020
Grades 2-5 There are plenty of reasons for young people to be anxious in today's world, but author Brian aims to help them manage their anxiety with this guide that combines short, direct, conversational text and simple cartoon humans with round heads, stick limbs, and varying skin tones and physical ability levels. The opening chapter gives an overview of anxiety, including how it can be useful as our body's alarm system and why too much can cause problems, with panels featuring the cartoon figures adding levity to the tough topic. Successive chapters continue in the same manner as they explain more about anxiety's effects on minds and bodies, ways people react to anxiety, and how to figure out if it's causing you problems. From here, the guide turns to self-care and offers numerous strategies for alleviating anxiety. The final chapters encourage readers to get out of their comfort zone by learning to tolerate discomfort and embracing failure as a path to success rather than allowing it to fuel anxiety. An encouraging mental health resource.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

October 16, 2020

Gr 2-5-Who experiences anxiety? Certainly we know that adults do, and much has been written in the past few decades about adolescents and anxiety-but we are becoming increasingly aware that school-age children and even preschoolers experience occasional and even chronic anxiety. As explained in this excellent graphic novel, anxiety is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath or nausea, which can in turn cause more fearfulness. Brian gives children facts and words for these strong feelings and reassures them that they are not alone in having them. A modicum of brain science and anatomy helps explain why we confront anxiety, how it affects our bodies, and what to do about it. Short, declarative sentences and expressive but simple illustrations ensure that the text won't introduce more fears than it alleviates, and Brian's sense of humor, evenhanded acceptance, and gift for analogies (anxiety is represented as a gloppy gray mass with googly eyes and stick arms) make the book fun and informative. Cartoon characters are depicted in a variety of ethnicities. Those who are prone to anxiety will find practical advice about dealing with it, while those less familiar with it will learn to recognize it in others and what they can do to help. Perhaps most important, the book ends with the message: "Being brave doesn't mean you don't have fear or anxiety. Bravery can mean doing what's important to you despite your anxiety." VERDICT Easy to understand and entertaining, this offering makes light work of an important subject.-Paula Willey, Enoch Pratt Free Lib., Baltimore

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