The Worries: Sohal Finds A Friend

Sohal’s worries dominate his life. He carries them with him all day, which prevents him from making friends, and they crowd into his head at night, even chasing him in his dreams. One day, he draws a picture of his worries and realises they seem far less scary when he can see them. He is alarmed, however, when the small, furry creatures come to life. Hurt, Anger, Big, Fail, Alone and Babs (the Worry-in-Charge) are very chaotic and rather needy. When they sneak into his school bag, Sohal spends a stressful day trying to keep them hidden.

This light-hearted tale tackles a serious subject in an accessible manner and provides children with an opportunity to discuss their own anxieties. The key message is that worries must be acknowledged and managed, rather than supressed and ignored, or they will grow and become much harder to deal with. The book also suggests that everyone is anxious about something, which should encourage children to develop feelings of compassion and empathy.

Short chapters and lively blue illustrations, which animate every page and bring the eccentric characters to life, make this an ideal book for confident young readers.