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[Is a Worry Worrying You?] [By: Wolff, Ferida] [April, 2005]
This book addresses children's worries with humor and imagination, as hilarious scenarios teach kids the use of perspective and the art of creative problem-solving.
Paperback
First published April 15, 2005
9 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Ferida Wolff
28 books9 followersFerida Wolff (née Mevorach) was born on July 7, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, where she enjoyed reading children's books from the public library and writing stories, letters, notes, and diaries. At age twelve, she decided she wanted to become a writer after excelling in a school writing assignment.
Ferida Mevorach married Michael L. Wolff on February 3, 1965. She earned a B.A. degree in 1967 and an M.S. degree in education in 1970, both from Queens College of the City University of New York. Wolff developed her writing by participating in an amateur writers' workshop in Medford, New Jersey, in the late 1970s. In 1980, she began contributing non-fiction pieces to several newspapers and magazines in New Jersey and Pennsylvania as a free-lance writer.
Wolff published her first book, Pink Slippers, Bat Mitzvah Blues, a young adult novel, in 1989. She drew on her daughter Stephanie's experiences as a dancer for the subject matter. Wolff has produced fourteen children's books in all, including three Halloween-themed books and four joke books that she co-authored with her neighbor and published poet, Dolores Kozielski. Listening Outside Listening Inside (1999), a book for adults on the importance of listening to personal messages, grew out of Wolff's long experience with yoga and other meditation techniques. She has taught yoga for almost thirty years and earned a Certificate in Holistic Studies from Rosemont College in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, in 1992.
Ferida Wolff lives with her husband in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and writes full time.
Source: https://www.lib.usm.edu/legacy/degrum...
Ferida Mevorach married Michael L. Wolff on February 3, 1965. She earned a B.A. degree in 1967 and an M.S. degree in education in 1970, both from Queens College of the City University of New York. Wolff developed her writing by participating in an amateur writers' workshop in Medford, New Jersey, in the late 1970s. In 1980, she began contributing non-fiction pieces to several newspapers and magazines in New Jersey and Pennsylvania as a free-lance writer.
Wolff published her first book, Pink Slippers, Bat Mitzvah Blues, a young adult novel, in 1989. She drew on her daughter Stephanie's experiences as a dancer for the subject matter. Wolff has produced fourteen children's books in all, including three Halloween-themed books and four joke books that she co-authored with her neighbor and published poet, Dolores Kozielski. Listening Outside Listening Inside (1999), a book for adults on the importance of listening to personal messages, grew out of Wolff's long experience with yoga and other meditation techniques. She has taught yoga for almost thirty years and earned a Certificate in Holistic Studies from Rosemont College in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, in 1992.
Ferida Wolff lives with her husband in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and writes full time.
Source: https://www.lib.usm.edu/legacy/degrum...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews
September 14, 2017
This is a wonderful children's book that deals with worries and anxieties.
It explains in an interesting and visual way what these feelings are and how people, especially children, can manage them.
The illustrations are detailed and wonderful. I recommend it to all parents and teachers interested in discussing these important matters with children.
It explains in an interesting and visual way what these feelings are and how people, especially children, can manage them.
The illustrations are detailed and wonderful. I recommend it to all parents and teachers interested in discussing these important matters with children.
November 22, 2016
Cute, Short selfhelp-ish book. and to answer your question, YES, it's fucking killing me, i'm stuck in a ''The Feedback Loop from Hell'', That anxiety cripples you and you start wondering why you’re so anxious. Now you’re becoming anxious about being anxious. Oh no! Doubly anxious! Now you’re anxious about your anxiety, which is causing more anxiety. Quick, where’s the whiskey? (quote from: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck)
April 7, 2021
In general, I like the idea of this book. Children are easily worried. They worry about things both likely and unlikely. Their imaginations run off with them and suddenly they are concerned geese will eat our car (an actual quotation from my daughter). So, a book that gives genuine concerns and ridiculous ones and tells children ways to process it? Sounds great.
There are problems though. In general the writing in this one seems off. Some pages are filled with words and others only have a few. It's not well structured, and seems as if the authors may have had different approaches to this task. The humor is amusing, but never laugh out loud funny (to my daughter at least). This could be because some of the illustrations are a touch on the scary side. It's drawn in a very Tim Burton style for the figures and while I personally find that charming, it has enough of an air of discomfort to it that she was not amused. I received no "again, again" after this one, so it was apparently a big miss for her.
So, yes, the book called "Is a Worry Worrying You" did indeed cause her to worry. While I appreciate the cosmic joke that it seems, it is also notable for would-be readers to worried children that it may defeat the purpose. Possibly one that it would be well advised to examine before you read to a child. 2/5 stars
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
There are problems though. In general the writing in this one seems off. Some pages are filled with words and others only have a few. It's not well structured, and seems as if the authors may have had different approaches to this task. The humor is amusing, but never laugh out loud funny (to my daughter at least). This could be because some of the illustrations are a touch on the scary side. It's drawn in a very Tim Burton style for the figures and while I personally find that charming, it has enough of an air of discomfort to it that she was not amused. I received no "again, again" after this one, so it was apparently a big miss for her.
So, yes, the book called "Is a Worry Worrying You" did indeed cause her to worry. While I appreciate the cosmic joke that it seems, it is also notable for would-be readers to worried children that it may defeat the purpose. Possibly one that it would be well advised to examine before you read to a child. 2/5 stars
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2017
Is A Worry Worrying You is a wonderful children's book, which offers a fun and helpful approach to managing daily worries. Some of the worries are silly, some are more serious; but all are given positive solutions to solve them. The illustrations in the book are fantastic and really fit with the narrative. The way the pages are arranged, introducing a worry on one page/offering the solution on another, would allow for key discussion between child and parent on different ways to address the presented worry. Also offered at the end of the book are more global ways to address worries like writing a story or playing with a friend. This is a treasure of a book, and I plan to pick it up for my own shelf.
Thank you to Ferida Wolff, Tanglewood Publishing, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.
Thank you to Ferida Wolff, Tanglewood Publishing, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.
November 18, 2016
A worry knows something that you should know: You can get rid of a worry
any time you want. It just takes a little patience. Don’t worry. You can do it!
any time you want. It just takes a little patience. Don’t worry. You can do it!
May 14, 2020
Teaching kids how to overcome worries is a great idea.
The authors introduce some likely and totally unlikely (100 elephants for tea?) reasons to worry and how to overcome those worries in simple steps. I liked how they described some of the physical anxieties you can experience as well.
I did find that from page to page the writing was either great or lackluster. I'm not sure if the authors were switching from page to page or if they just had directional differences, whichever it was this caused a little weirdness in the writing.
The illustrations are really what made this so delightful for me!
Marie Letourneau's style reminded me of something between Maurice Sendak and Tim Burton.
Very very cool stuff!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Tanglewood for this DRC.
The authors introduce some likely and totally unlikely (100 elephants for tea?) reasons to worry and how to overcome those worries in simple steps. I liked how they described some of the physical anxieties you can experience as well.
I did find that from page to page the writing was either great or lackluster. I'm not sure if the authors were switching from page to page or if they just had directional differences, whichever it was this caused a little weirdness in the writing.
The illustrations are really what made this so delightful for me!
Marie Letourneau's style reminded me of something between Maurice Sendak and Tim Burton.
Very very cool stuff!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Tanglewood for this DRC.
September 7, 2017
Is a Worry Worrying You? is worrying me. I kid you not!
Suppose you had read a brilliant book by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz and you needed to write a review that shows just how good it is but you don't know if your words can possibly explain your thoughts, when your thoughts about the book are more feelings than words.
Now that's a worry!
But you can get rid of that worry by reading the book three times to yourself and then reading it to someone you know who worries a lot about a lot of things and ask them what they thought as well.
Because if you talk about a worry with someone else it's easier to tell the worry to go away.
Suppose Marie Le Tourneau is an incredibly talented artist but you don't know if you could ever be that talented or creative.
Now that's a worry!
But you can get rid of that worry by admiring her talent and laughing along with the humour in her illustrations. You can also spend time searching out each picture for the worry monster you know will be lurking somewhere on every page.
You can remember that everyone has their own unique talents. Rather than spending time worrying about your weaknesses you can focus on your strengths and spend time doing what you're passionate about.
Is a Worry Worrying You? may be intended for a young audience but adult worriers can also learn valuable tools while reading this book. After defining what a worry is, our authors take us on a guided tour of realistic worries children may have but told in a wild and wacky way. Like what to do if a gorilla borrows your skateboard but doesn't return it to you when they say they will.
The reader is empowered with practical tools for managing and banishing worries along with some much needed perspective for worrywarts, reminding us that most of what we worry about doesn't happen anyway.
I don't know what I was so worried about. That wasn't so hard after all. I guess I was right. This book is helpful for adults as well as children.
I think I need to reread this every time I have a worry to practice what I've learned until the worry monster doesn't bring luggage each time he knocks on my door because he knows he won't be invited to stay anymore.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Tanglewood Publishing for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
Suppose you had read a brilliant book by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz and you needed to write a review that shows just how good it is but you don't know if your words can possibly explain your thoughts, when your thoughts about the book are more feelings than words.
Now that's a worry!
But you can get rid of that worry by reading the book three times to yourself and then reading it to someone you know who worries a lot about a lot of things and ask them what they thought as well.
Because if you talk about a worry with someone else it's easier to tell the worry to go away.
Suppose Marie Le Tourneau is an incredibly talented artist but you don't know if you could ever be that talented or creative.
Now that's a worry!
But you can get rid of that worry by admiring her talent and laughing along with the humour in her illustrations. You can also spend time searching out each picture for the worry monster you know will be lurking somewhere on every page.
You can remember that everyone has their own unique talents. Rather than spending time worrying about your weaknesses you can focus on your strengths and spend time doing what you're passionate about.
Is a Worry Worrying You? may be intended for a young audience but adult worriers can also learn valuable tools while reading this book. After defining what a worry is, our authors take us on a guided tour of realistic worries children may have but told in a wild and wacky way. Like what to do if a gorilla borrows your skateboard but doesn't return it to you when they say they will.
The reader is empowered with practical tools for managing and banishing worries along with some much needed perspective for worrywarts, reminding us that most of what we worry about doesn't happen anyway.
I don't know what I was so worried about. That wasn't so hard after all. I guess I was right. This book is helpful for adults as well as children.
I think I need to reread this every time I have a worry to practice what I've learned until the worry monster doesn't bring luggage each time he knocks on my door because he knows he won't be invited to stay anymore.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Tanglewood Publishing for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
January 19, 2021
Do you have lots of worries? I certainly do. Some are more realistic, but quite a lot have been less so, even a bit ridiculous.
Children also have worries. Looking at the world today, you can't blame them. This book is all about worries and anxiety.
It playfully explores different unrealistic fears, and what you can do about them. Basically, it reframes the fear on its own terms, which is a smart approach. In the end it also talks in more generic ways how to handle fearful thinking.
It does feel like the text could be even more concise, more to the point. The book is richly illustrated, and some pictures are more succesful than others. The art style does fit the subject very well.
(Picked up an ARC on NetGalley)
Children also have worries. Looking at the world today, you can't blame them. This book is all about worries and anxiety.
It playfully explores different unrealistic fears, and what you can do about them. Basically, it reframes the fear on its own terms, which is a smart approach. In the end it also talks in more generic ways how to handle fearful thinking.
It does feel like the text could be even more concise, more to the point. The book is richly illustrated, and some pictures are more succesful than others. The art style does fit the subject very well.
(Picked up an ARC on NetGalley)
March 1, 2017
Now THIS, this is a book for children with anxiety!! Although it is still not perfect for my 5 year old, it is stupendous in all the ways it nevertheless lends itself to addressing some of his anxieties.
Personally, I would recommend this for kids about 7-9 years old. Mine only learned to read and write a couple months ago. I'm amazed at what he reads to me, as well as with the words and sentences he applies to EVERY METAL SURFACE IN THE HOUSE, with the hundreds of magnetic letters I've bought him. But I'm also amazed that a boy that young, that little, spends his nights grinding his teeth so loudly, and nearly the whole night. If I didn't know better, I would SWEAR that he's got a mortar full of rocks that he's crushing dutifully with his pestle. But nope. It's his TEETH. His beautiful teeth. His beautiful soul, mind, heart, they're suffering. Nothing harder than watching your own hurt, and feeling helpless to help them.
And it's not only that. He picks at his nails ... he just bubbles over with worry and concern and care. And my heart breaks for him. So of course, I'm constantly on the lookout for anything that might give him a reprieve, some understanding, anything. My 9 year old goddaughter was diagnosed with GAD last year. That's my sister's daughter. Already, she is on addictive daily medication.
This book is not only helpful; it's adorable. The artwork is perfect. For instance, the text begins:
"Do you ever have a worry that won't go away? What is a worry, anyway?" And above this text is a wonderful drawing of a scared little boy, grabbing himself a snack in his kitchen. He looks up to see a scary looking creature peeking into the kitchen, and his dog takes off running away from the thing. Awesome, right?
The authors then go on to define "worry," provide numerous comical examples of instances as well as situations that may cause one to worry, and my favorite part??? Not only is every statement illustrated with a corresponding picture (one with much to look at; very creative drawings!), but the authors also give possible methods for these kids to minimize or allay the worries discussed.
The book provides just the right amount of information for a child who is maybe reading about worry and anxiety for their first time. My only wish is that someone write a book like this one, only simplified further still ... enough to make sense to a 4-6 year old. But that's asking a LOT.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, OTs, PTs, CHILD PSYCHOLOGISTS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO COMES INTO CONTACT WITH A CHILD DEMONSTRATING SIGNS OF WORRY AND/OR ANXIETY.
My most sincere thanks to Tanglewood Publishing, Inc., and the authors, for providing this review copy.
Personally, I would recommend this for kids about 7-9 years old. Mine only learned to read and write a couple months ago. I'm amazed at what he reads to me, as well as with the words and sentences he applies to EVERY METAL SURFACE IN THE HOUSE, with the hundreds of magnetic letters I've bought him. But I'm also amazed that a boy that young, that little, spends his nights grinding his teeth so loudly, and nearly the whole night. If I didn't know better, I would SWEAR that he's got a mortar full of rocks that he's crushing dutifully with his pestle. But nope. It's his TEETH. His beautiful teeth. His beautiful soul, mind, heart, they're suffering. Nothing harder than watching your own hurt, and feeling helpless to help them.
And it's not only that. He picks at his nails ... he just bubbles over with worry and concern and care. And my heart breaks for him. So of course, I'm constantly on the lookout for anything that might give him a reprieve, some understanding, anything. My 9 year old goddaughter was diagnosed with GAD last year. That's my sister's daughter. Already, she is on addictive daily medication.
This book is not only helpful; it's adorable. The artwork is perfect. For instance, the text begins:
"Do you ever have a worry that won't go away? What is a worry, anyway?" And above this text is a wonderful drawing of a scared little boy, grabbing himself a snack in his kitchen. He looks up to see a scary looking creature peeking into the kitchen, and his dog takes off running away from the thing. Awesome, right?
The authors then go on to define "worry," provide numerous comical examples of instances as well as situations that may cause one to worry, and my favorite part??? Not only is every statement illustrated with a corresponding picture (one with much to look at; very creative drawings!), but the authors also give possible methods for these kids to minimize or allay the worries discussed.
The book provides just the right amount of information for a child who is maybe reading about worry and anxiety for their first time. My only wish is that someone write a book like this one, only simplified further still ... enough to make sense to a 4-6 year old. But that's asking a LOT.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, OTs, PTs, CHILD PSYCHOLOGISTS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO COMES INTO CONTACT WITH A CHILD DEMONSTRATING SIGNS OF WORRY AND/OR ANXIETY.
My most sincere thanks to Tanglewood Publishing, Inc., and the authors, for providing this review copy.
November 23, 2023
This is a nice book on the things we worry for, while as a child. Becoming Adult taken so much but that worry remains, however, it changes level of criticality. Though it was part of life but being a child the worry we kept, when we become adult seems to us as full of humor and creativity. Like, there is a ghost under the bed but there was none; or what if we didn't do our homework?
But all it takes is a patience and good thoughts to replace the worry with or to get rid of it.
This is a good motivational picture book with better than average illustrations as the drawings/sketches were more suitable for mangas. This tells, for how to overcome the monster inside, to win the battles in real world.
My NetGalley review
But all it takes is a patience and good thoughts to replace the worry with or to get rid of it.
This is a good motivational picture book with better than average illustrations as the drawings/sketches were more suitable for mangas. This tells, for how to overcome the monster inside, to win the battles in real world.
My NetGalley review
February 16, 2021
I love this weird little book!
So often the advice to someone who's worried is just too simple: "Don't worry about it." Like it's really that easy. But it's not, is it? I don't care if you're 5, 55 or 105. Worries are such a pain, and truly hard to shake.
Is a Worry Worrying You? understands this dilemma. It acknowledges that worries are like bad songs that take up residence and live rent-free your head. You can't just "fuhgeddaboudit", but you can address the worry and find a creative way to move past it. You know, put it in its place. We could all use a nudge toward giving those wearying worries the boot!
Not only is this book incredibly helpful, but it's also filled with wonderfully wacky illustrations. I picked it up because the illustrations were so appropriate for the theme. I'd read anything illustrated by Marie Letourneau, because she obviously knows how to make a monster monstrous and a scared kid relatable.
So often the advice to someone who's worried is just too simple: "Don't worry about it." Like it's really that easy. But it's not, is it? I don't care if you're 5, 55 or 105. Worries are such a pain, and truly hard to shake.
Is a Worry Worrying You? understands this dilemma. It acknowledges that worries are like bad songs that take up residence and live rent-free your head. You can't just "fuhgeddaboudit", but you can address the worry and find a creative way to move past it. You know, put it in its place. We could all use a nudge toward giving those wearying worries the boot!
Not only is this book incredibly helpful, but it's also filled with wonderfully wacky illustrations. I picked it up because the illustrations were so appropriate for the theme. I'd read anything illustrated by Marie Letourneau, because she obviously knows how to make a monster monstrous and a scared kid relatable.
May 24, 2020
Worries, big and small, are something that plague us all, big and small. Most adults think with nostalgia about being young and having no worries. I guess we don't remember that worries can terrify children: if they hear overhear their parents arguing, if they break something and fear repercussion, if they know they are going to have to pass the house of large barking dog or a group of six grade bullies on their way to the park, if they remember on the way to school that they didn't do their homework (and far worse). While most adults have honed their coping mechanism to the point where they have either learned to deal with or compartmentalize their worries until they are ready to deal with later, many children need to learn how to do this, how to face a worry that can quickly assume monstrous (double entendre intended) proportions.
Is a Worry Worrying you?, by Ferida Wolff & Harriet May Savitz, is a lovely book with beautiful illustrations, citing real and imaginary worries, that can help a child put some of those worries into perspective and/or show how a worry can be approached and dealt with. This is a topic I don't remember ever discussing with my kids when they were small, and I see the merit in reading this book and discussing with kids on more than one occasion, BEFORE the day to day worries creep up on them. Most important, and I thought this was missing, a child needs to know that it can and should ask for help from a parent or a teacher or a counselor, if the problem is so large that it has begun to consume them (that I do remember discussing with the kids).
Thank you NegGalley and Tanglewood for a copy of this book in exchange for my own honest opinion. I look forward to reading and discussing with my grandchildren this weekend!
Is a Worry Worrying you?, by Ferida Wolff & Harriet May Savitz, is a lovely book with beautiful illustrations, citing real and imaginary worries, that can help a child put some of those worries into perspective and/or show how a worry can be approached and dealt with. This is a topic I don't remember ever discussing with my kids when they were small, and I see the merit in reading this book and discussing with kids on more than one occasion, BEFORE the day to day worries creep up on them. Most important, and I thought this was missing, a child needs to know that it can and should ask for help from a parent or a teacher or a counselor, if the problem is so large that it has begun to consume them (that I do remember discussing with the kids).
Thank you NegGalley and Tanglewood for a copy of this book in exchange for my own honest opinion. I look forward to reading and discussing with my grandchildren this weekend!
August 23, 2011
I wasn't really impressed with this book. The illustrations were a little rough/odd/freakish and I didn't care for their portrayal of Worry. Actually, I kind of didn't like any of the illustrations really. I also found a couple of their worries a little ridiculous instead of humorous. I liked the concept, but I didn't think it was well executed. It was okay, but I wouldn't go around recommending it anytime soon though.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2011...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2011...
September 24, 2018
Is a worry worring you ? is a book which discuss about worry and the nature of it. In the book was various situations are used by author to explain the different kind of worries.Overall a good book . I would recommend it for slightly older children who can the nature and the feeling of being worried
August 18, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley and Tanglewood for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now, I have read many children’s books that is usually either a straight up horror story or a straight up morality tale. But, I had never come across a children’s book that had both horror and life lessons for children all combined into one story until I had requested another children’s book from NetGalley called “Is a Worry Worrying You?” “Is a Worry Worrying You?” is a children’s book written by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz along with illustrations by Marie Letourneau and it is definitely one of the most creative and haunting children’s books I had ever read!
This book is basically about helping children deal with being worried about certain situations by showing their worries in the form of a monster that is constantly hounding the characters in the book. The book would put the characters in certain situations such as worrying about a hundred elephants coming for tea and you realize that you ran out of tea for the elephants to drink. So, the solution to the problem would be to offer the elephants lemonade instead, helping you not to worry so much during that situation and finding a reasonable solution to your problem.
Wow! I cannot believe that I just got around to reading this book (it was published in 2005, and I just discovered it on NetGalley)! Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz both did a fantastic job at writing this book as I loved the idea about the concept of worry being portrayed as a scary monster that invades the characters’ homes every time the character in the story is dealing with a problem that causes them to worry! I also loved the fact that the story helps give out advice to young children about how to deal with worrisome situations such as finding a solution to take when dealing with such a situation. Probably my most favorite problem-solving situation that was shown in this book was the one where you have a group of elephants in your home who all want to have some tea and you do not have any tea left to give them. Instead, you decided to give the elephants some lemonade in place of the tea to solve the problem! Marie Letourneau’s artwork is surprisingly creepy in this book, which is much different from her work in “Argyle Fox.” I loved the fact that Marie Letourneau’s artwork is highly reminiscent of the character designs from the Tim Burton films with the characters having large rounded eyes with dark shadings underneath the eyes and also having tall and lanky bodies that make them look unnatural. I also loved the image of the worry monster itself as it is drawn as a blue monster with a mischievous evil grin on its face and it was quite entertaining seeing the monster pop up on each page whenever someone faces a situation that worries them.
Parents should know that the illustrations in this book might be a bit too creepy for some small children to handle, especially the images of the worry monster as it looks pretty threatening in the pages it appears in; especially whenever it is stalking the characters in the book. Parents might want to read this book first to see if their children can handle such creepy images.
Overall, “Is a Worry Worrying You?” is a truly fantastic and unique children’s book that would greatly help children overcome their worries in life and find reasonable solutions in conquering their worries! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the imagery might scare some small children.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
June 17, 2020
Worrying is natural and everyone will get there eventually. Growing up, anxiety and worrying was something I didn't even think about or really understand. I had some difficult times growing up and always stayed positive, and then one day it hit me like a brick wall. I didn't know how to cope, and a book like this would have helped me understand what was going on inside my brain. I'm glad there are more resources available now to help kids with these issues.
The book itself is a great resource and tool on top of just being a good book. I kinda had a good chuckle reading this book, because the annoying and strange dynamic of worry kinda feels like the weird monster that is representing it in this book. It was on the nose for how I would picture worry, so I'm quite impressed.
This book makes worrying seem so simple. It not only explains what worrying is but also different ways to cope with it. It explains it in an easy to understand way that I think young readers would be able to identify with. It gives a great analogy for worry and helps explain it in ways that just make sense. I would recommend using this book for middle graders, or grades two and up.
The art style was also unique. It felt crayon-y and kind of nostalgic. It was very intriguing and not a style I've seen a lot of.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tanglewood for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
The book itself is a great resource and tool on top of just being a good book. I kinda had a good chuckle reading this book, because the annoying and strange dynamic of worry kinda feels like the weird monster that is representing it in this book. It was on the nose for how I would picture worry, so I'm quite impressed.
This book makes worrying seem so simple. It not only explains what worrying is but also different ways to cope with it. It explains it in an easy to understand way that I think young readers would be able to identify with. It gives a great analogy for worry and helps explain it in ways that just make sense. I would recommend using this book for middle graders, or grades two and up.
The art style was also unique. It felt crayon-y and kind of nostalgic. It was very intriguing and not a style I've seen a lot of.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tanglewood for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
November 20, 2015
Cute book with the intention of helping kids understand worries, and how to deal with them.
I requested this as something to maybe help my own kids if needed. The message that it imparts is something I think kids would find helpful.
The illustrations are cute and with lots of little details that make them fun to look at.
And though this is a short book, with just under 30 pages and illustrations, it does exactly what it sets out to do.
All in all, I'm definitely going to be adding this to my list of books to get for young children.
I requested this as something to maybe help my own kids if needed. The message that it imparts is something I think kids would find helpful.
The illustrations are cute and with lots of little details that make them fun to look at.
And though this is a short book, with just under 30 pages and illustrations, it does exactly what it sets out to do.
All in all, I'm definitely going to be adding this to my list of books to get for young children.
December 18, 2017
Worrying is something all kids suffer from, more some than others. It is a hard emotion to describe and an even harder emotion to deal with. In this cute and poignant children's book by Ferida Wolff, she takes shows children different ways worrying can make you feel and how worrying over real things and imaginary things alike can both be impactful feelings to children. She then gives a variety of different ways to deal with these worry. Some all easy as go play and some as hard as to confront it head on. She also gives the sage advice to tell some and ask for help. As a chronic worrier when I was a child, I would have loved this book. I never understood the emotions I was feeling and mistook it for guilt, when I had done nothing wrong. I would definitely buy this book for any under 10 year old I had in my family! Highly recommended!
**I was given a copy of this book and I gave an honest review **
**I was given a copy of this book and I gave an honest review **
November 17, 2016
An amazing little book that deals with children worries in a pretty funny and smart way. The illustrations are terrific, the writing is simple and funny too.
Not all the children worry the same way of course, but this little book helps them find creative ways to prevent "The Worry Monster" from ruining their day, friendships or fun!
Thanks Netgalley!
Not all the children worry the same way of course, but this little book helps them find creative ways to prevent "The Worry Monster" from ruining their day, friendships or fun!
Thanks Netgalley!
November 24, 2016
Is a worry worrying You ? a children story ,set to help them understand their anxieties and eventuly deal with them.
The illustrations are a bit creepy (the corpse bride kind of ) but they match the story very well.I loved the coloring ,it was marvelous and the advices were to the point.
Being an adult myself this book was a great reminder to stop overthinking things and just enjoy the moment.
If you jump to a worry ,PUNCH it in the face.
The illustrations are a bit creepy (the corpse bride kind of ) but they match the story very well.I loved the coloring ,it was marvelous and the advices were to the point.
Being an adult myself this book was a great reminder to stop overthinking things and just enjoy the moment.
If you jump to a worry ,PUNCH it in the face.
November 4, 2020
First released in 2005, Is a Worry Worrying You? is the perfect book for 2020, when children are troubled by fears of losing their parents and grandparents to an invisible enemy and have seen their routines blown to bits. Not that their parents are doing much better. With clever and calming words from authors Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz and Marie Letourneau’s Edward Gorey-like illustrations, this children’s book will calm and amuse nervous children and parents alike.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Tanglewood in exchange for an honest review.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Tanglewood in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2018
As someone with an anxiety disorder that was not diagnosed until the age of 30 I really wanted this book to be a good message to children. Thankfully it is!
Is a Worry Worrying You starts off by discussing what a worry is, because let's face it kids don't really know. It's hard to understand how a 'thing' can be a 'thing' without being a 'thing' that you can touch. Ferida Wolff does a wonderful job of talking about how a worry can feel heavy and huge and make you sad; even though you cannot see it or might have trouble describing it.
We then move into what can a worry be. From elephants showing up uninvited to monsters under the bed to annoying relatives there is a wide gamut of worries described and in each instance the worry is resolved somehow. Most of the worries are really simple, but certainly something a child might be worrying about.
Towards the end it discusses how to get rid of a worry that can't be solved immediately. And this is where the real magic of this story is, as it talks about facing that worry head-on. Talking to someone about it, and seeing if the worry even makes sense! These are things that I feel would have been invaluable to child me. But as with all children's books the final page and written line are what everything is all about! I won't spoil it for you, except to say that it's perfect.
The illustrations in this book are a little bit darker and I really loved them. You can also play a game with your little one to find the monster on every page. He's there, lurking like a worry might, sometimes easy to see and other times harder to see. I would happily read this story to a small child night after night. I can even see gifting it to someone older or about to embark on a trip or new stage of life. It serves as a reminder that worries are only worries if you let them be worries. Because, after all, you can always sing the monster to sleep.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Is a Worry Worrying You starts off by discussing what a worry is, because let's face it kids don't really know. It's hard to understand how a 'thing' can be a 'thing' without being a 'thing' that you can touch. Ferida Wolff does a wonderful job of talking about how a worry can feel heavy and huge and make you sad; even though you cannot see it or might have trouble describing it.
We then move into what can a worry be. From elephants showing up uninvited to monsters under the bed to annoying relatives there is a wide gamut of worries described and in each instance the worry is resolved somehow. Most of the worries are really simple, but certainly something a child might be worrying about.
Towards the end it discusses how to get rid of a worry that can't be solved immediately. And this is where the real magic of this story is, as it talks about facing that worry head-on. Talking to someone about it, and seeing if the worry even makes sense! These are things that I feel would have been invaluable to child me. But as with all children's books the final page and written line are what everything is all about! I won't spoil it for you, except to say that it's perfect.
The illustrations in this book are a little bit darker and I really loved them. You can also play a game with your little one to find the monster on every page. He's there, lurking like a worry might, sometimes easy to see and other times harder to see. I would happily read this story to a small child night after night. I can even see gifting it to someone older or about to embark on a trip or new stage of life. It serves as a reminder that worries are only worries if you let them be worries. Because, after all, you can always sing the monster to sleep.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
June 15, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this, I think this is relatable if you're an adult and a child. It teaches a child how to cope with worry and how to overcome worry or anxiety about particular things, how not to fuel it or add to it. How to squash that little bug [or in this case a monster,] that aims to bring you down.
I read this to my six year old and he was not only eating up the illustrations which depict Worry to be akin to the monster under the bed, it shows the child in the story cowering and then how to push that Worry aside and overcome the fear. It turns it into a visual that the children can process, in my case, my son nodded his head and he said: "Oh, you mean like I'm worried about moving to a new school?" -- so he was able to visualize his own Worry-Monster and learn that, it's okay to worry but not to let it overpower him, and it was written as well as illustrated in a way that made sense to him. It is such a positive and empowering book to children, in my opinion.
I dare say I walked away from this book with a new view, too.
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I read this to my six year old and he was not only eating up the illustrations which depict Worry to be akin to the monster under the bed, it shows the child in the story cowering and then how to push that Worry aside and overcome the fear. It turns it into a visual that the children can process, in my case, my son nodded his head and he said: "Oh, you mean like I'm worried about moving to a new school?" -- so he was able to visualize his own Worry-Monster and learn that, it's okay to worry but not to let it overpower him, and it was written as well as illustrated in a way that made sense to him. It is such a positive and empowering book to children, in my opinion.
I dare say I walked away from this book with a new view, too.
- Website - Facebook - Instagram -
April 2, 2018
This book tackled a serious subject in an adorably creepy and amusing way. I never thought I would be typing those words together in a review, ha ha. The illustrations are glorious!
I was approved for an eARC, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I will be reviewing this book on my children's book blog at some point, and will be adding the link here when it is posted.
I was approved for an eARC, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I will be reviewing this book on my children's book blog at some point, and will be adding the link here when it is posted.
July 23, 2017
This is beautiful, hilarious, and for everybody. Loved it. Loved it so much.
November 8, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review. The material below consists entirely of my own opinion.
Synopsis: Is a Worry Worrying You is a children's story about anxiety. It personifies worry into a blue monster that looms in every illustration as the narrator explains how to handle worry.
Cover/Illustrations: The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. They are gothic, very Tim Burton-esque, and go very well with the story. They may be a little scary to children who are easily frightened, but children who can handle Frankenweenie should be fine. Being the weirdo that I am, the illustrations are why I chose to review this book, as it is exactly my style.
Plot/Theme: The story goes through various scenarios people may worry about, some very fantastical and others are everyday anxieties. The narrator discusses how to handle these worries, by distracting yourself, by thinking them through, or by telling them to go away. There is one specific part that I wish would have been expanded, when the narrator mentions that "worries usually don't come true," because I would have liked to see the characters learning to accept that sometimes things they worry about DO come true and that worrying just causes stress and fear.
Consensus: Is a Worry Worrying You? is a beautifully illustrated tool for children who have anxiety and worry often. I highly recommend it for children who can handle something a little creepy, as you wouldn't want to have the opposite effect and cause even more anxiety..
Synopsis: Is a Worry Worrying You is a children's story about anxiety. It personifies worry into a blue monster that looms in every illustration as the narrator explains how to handle worry.
Cover/Illustrations: The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. They are gothic, very Tim Burton-esque, and go very well with the story. They may be a little scary to children who are easily frightened, but children who can handle Frankenweenie should be fine. Being the weirdo that I am, the illustrations are why I chose to review this book, as it is exactly my style.
Plot/Theme: The story goes through various scenarios people may worry about, some very fantastical and others are everyday anxieties. The narrator discusses how to handle these worries, by distracting yourself, by thinking them through, or by telling them to go away. There is one specific part that I wish would have been expanded, when the narrator mentions that "worries usually don't come true," because I would have liked to see the characters learning to accept that sometimes things they worry about DO come true and that worrying just causes stress and fear.
Consensus: Is a Worry Worrying You? is a beautifully illustrated tool for children who have anxiety and worry often. I highly recommend it for children who can handle something a little creepy, as you wouldn't want to have the opposite effect and cause even more anxiety..
April 27, 2019
“Is A Worry Worrying You?” is an amusing, fun and brilliantly illustrated book about worries. Children worry about things too, as well as parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends and just about anyone. This book very neatly explains what worries are, using funny and humorous examples. It then goes on to suggest practical ways to get rid of them. I loved that each page showed an image of a different worry. My favourites in the book were Uncle Herman, the bald eagle and the blue furry monster.
The text is straight-forward and easy to understand for small ones and it is nicely complemented by good, strong artwork. This wonderful book is perfectly balanced between the story and the message it delivers.
For a neat little book, “Is A Worry Worrying You?” is chock full with some really useful coping skills for overcoming worry such as being flexible and talking with a friend. The book demonstrates that all of us have the power to control our worries.
Highly recommended for both adults and children, “Is A Worry Worrying You?” by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz would be a great addition to a family library.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tanglewood Publishing and the authors, Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz, for my free ARC of this book. My honest review is entirely voluntary.
The text is straight-forward and easy to understand for small ones and it is nicely complemented by good, strong artwork. This wonderful book is perfectly balanced between the story and the message it delivers.
For a neat little book, “Is A Worry Worrying You?” is chock full with some really useful coping skills for overcoming worry such as being flexible and talking with a friend. The book demonstrates that all of us have the power to control our worries.
Highly recommended for both adults and children, “Is A Worry Worrying You?” by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz would be a great addition to a family library.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tanglewood Publishing and the authors, Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz, for my free ARC of this book. My honest review is entirely voluntary.
June 3, 2017
I liked this book, but I didn’t love it.
Some children worry more than others, some have concrete fears, but this book deals with the more common childhood fears. Most often children’s books deal with fears that live mostly in their imagination. Fears about monsters under their bed, the dark, an imaginary “monster” who pesters them. Silly worries, a monkey steals your skateboard. What would you do if that happened? Borrow his roller skates and go with him, of course! Teaching a child to creatively solve his worries.
The illustrations make this book, although I think the premise for this book is terrific. The writing might be slightly young to the upper ages for this book (recommended for 4-8 years old).
My thanks to Tanglewood Press, NetGalley, to authors Frieda Wolff and Harriet May Savitz, and illustrator Marie LeTourneau for the opportunity to read this book.
Some children worry more than others, some have concrete fears, but this book deals with the more common childhood fears. Most often children’s books deal with fears that live mostly in their imagination. Fears about monsters under their bed, the dark, an imaginary “monster” who pesters them. Silly worries, a monkey steals your skateboard. What would you do if that happened? Borrow his roller skates and go with him, of course! Teaching a child to creatively solve his worries.
The illustrations make this book, although I think the premise for this book is terrific. The writing might be slightly young to the upper ages for this book (recommended for 4-8 years old).
My thanks to Tanglewood Press, NetGalley, to authors Frieda Wolff and Harriet May Savitz, and illustrator Marie LeTourneau for the opportunity to read this book.
November 30, 2019
Creative and practical tips (that actually work) for dealing with worry and anxiety.
Aimed at younger children, but witty enough to be enjoyed by all ages.
Most important to me was the fact that this book offers real solutions that actually work. We've 'stress tested' them. It shows children (and adults) how we can be (and are) in control of worrisome things in our lives.
Very cool illustrations. Reminds me of Mercer Mayer's "Little Monsters", another beloved series in our family. With younger tykes you can keep their interest by finding the worry monster on every page.
I adored this book! So did my autistic son and grandchildren.
Highly recommend!
Kudos to the authors and illustrator!
Aimed at younger children, but witty enough to be enjoyed by all ages.
Most important to me was the fact that this book offers real solutions that actually work. We've 'stress tested' them. It shows children (and adults) how we can be (and are) in control of worrisome things in our lives.
Very cool illustrations. Reminds me of Mercer Mayer's "Little Monsters", another beloved series in our family. With younger tykes you can keep their interest by finding the worry monster on every page.
I adored this book! So did my autistic son and grandchildren.
Highly recommend!
Kudos to the authors and illustrator!
September 8, 2017
Is A Worry Worrying You? by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz. Illustrations by Marie Le Tourneau. Tanglewood. Children’s Fiction. 5 Stars+. This book effectively uses humor to deal with the subject of worry as it occurs in children with wonderful illustrations. A humorous look at worry that seems great for the child or special person who has anxiety or is a worrywart as it focuses on actions of simple solution. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and Tanglewood for providing this ebook for review.
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