Anxious

by Luciana DeLuca, Natalí Barbani (Illustrator)

A gorgeously illustrated, sparingly written story about the often complicated feelings brought on by anxiousness, perfect for helping young readers identify this complex emotion. The little girl in this picture book would love to dance, sing, and play with her friends, but she is struggling with anxious feelings that get in the way. Sometimes she feels scared and sometimes she feels shy. Sometimes the world seems too loud, too fast, and everything is so overwhelming she could just scream. There is no easy fix for feeling anxious, but by the end of this story she learns to ask for help and finds small ways to feel better. Written from a child’s perspective, Anxious pairs evocative art with simple text to illustrate some of the ways anxiousness can be experienced, providing an empathetic and compassionate framework for helping readers understand this feeling. A note to readers adds context and explains in more detail what anxiousness can look like, provides suggestions for coping skills, and resources for professional help.

Genres: Picture Books, Mental Health, Childrens, Emotion, Fiction, Psychology

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 19, 2024

About the author

Luciana De Luca was born in Buenos Aires in 1978. She is a writer, editor, blogger and contributor to several anthologies. She is the author of Parties are Not for Children (2013) and her work appears in Cuentos Cuervos (Planet), Cuentos Raros (Lea), Cuentos de argentinos en Brasil (Casanova) among others. Her first book for children is Soy un jardín (with Florencia Delboy). She has been writing a blog for seven years (www.emmayrob.com).

Reviews

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down to the point and wonderful imagery.

As someone with anxiety I wanted to check out how a child might suffer through it. From the beginning it states off how strange it is to feel anxiety swirling in your gut. How shy you can find things and scared to explore and discover. The illustrations captured exactly how one can feel trapped. Then how liberating it can be once you found the courage to seek help.This story help kids seek that outlet whether it be family support or professional.
Parents- don’t think they are to young to talk to them about it or think that they have no reason to feel anxious at their age. Plus at the end of the story their is a parent’s guide to how to help your child with anxiety.

Thank you NetGalley for approving to read the ARC.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a little girl, no one really understood anxiety, or at least anxiety in children. Like the heroine of this book, I often felt like I was a tiny speck in a giant world, perpetually frightened without knowing why. Through its gentle text and gorgeous illustrations, this book quietly explains that anxiety is okay, and that there are ways to cope with it, and even better, it does so without feeling preachy or like it's talking down to its readers. Even were the illustrations not ripped from my head, this would be a remarkably reassuring and relatable read, and I highly recommend it to even adults who struggle with anxiety.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a a cute picture book for kids. It talks about anxiety in easy to understand way. The illustrations are adorable.
I wish I'd had this book when I was a kid.

[Jen Postma☕️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book to teach children about anxiety and that it's okay; they're not alone and their feelings are valid. I wish my parents knew/talked about anxiety when I was a kid. It would've saved me from a lot of heartache. This book is tender and calming. The illustrations depict anxiety so well from a child's point of view. I will be purchasing this book for all of my nieces and nephews. Thanks you @netgalley for this ARC!

[Cass (whatcassreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Anxious" is an amazing picture book that reflects how children might feel whenever they experience anxiety. Even though it was a short and simple story, it included different ways that a child with anxiety can do to calm and alleviate it. It's filled with calm, neutral coloured illustrations that perfectly complements the story and is perfect for young and early readers.

The book includes a note to readers, parents, and caregivers that talks about different ways to calm anxious feelings and goes in depth on how to help alleviate it in a gentle and sympathetic manner, providing dialogue, examples, and scenarios.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety since I was a small child [before we even really knew what anxiety was and certainly didn't talk about either, especially in children], I would have loved this book. It would have helped me put words to what I was feeling and how anxiety kept me from doing things I wanted to do and from accomplishing even minor daily tasks [my poor teachers] and the fantastic notes at the end would have helped both me AND my mom, who had no idea how to deal with, much less help, her over-sensitive, introverted, depressed, anxiety-ridden child [the notes, with simple instructions, questions and resources is a real gem in this book and parents/caregivers will really benefit from this - kudos to the author for including them].

Parents and caregivers will love the simplicity of this book; told in a way that helps the child put to words all they are feeling and teaching them that there are ways to help with you are anxious and overwhelmed. The illustrations go well with the story, showing how dark can go to light and how lovely it is when you can tamp that anxiety down and enjoy life again.

Perfect for anyone [as those who do not have anxiety will benefit from this as well as it will help teach empathy towards those who do and will show kids how they can be helpers to their friends that DO have anxiety], kids and adults alike, I highly recommend this book to everyone. We can all learn to be more empathetic and kind and those of us who have anxiety can remember there are tools that can help calm that anxiety monster.

Thank you to NetGalley, Luciana DeLuca, Natalí Barbani - Illustrator, and Annick Press Ltd for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luciana de Luca has written a classic SEL book. This book, Anxious, is timely and I love how simple the illustrations and text are; enough so that any age group will be able to understand the central message.

The book follows a little unnamed narrator who takes us through her thoughts. She descends into a spell of anxiety but soon finds that if she asks for help, adults can help her work through it via certain strategies meant to slow things down and calm her.

I love how the illustrator did not overdo the illustrations, but that they chose to draw out exactly what the narrator is going through with clear, concise imagery that is perfect for the PreK-2nd grade group.

The author also demonstrated their insight into the anxious child by keeping the text short and to the point. I also love how at the end of the book, they spoke directly to the children, letting them know that everyone has some moments of anxiety and giving them more strategies to help them cope. Luca also gives adults ways to help their child/students to manage their times of anxiety. Well written book all around.

I look forward to adding this book to my read aloud bin.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful and very developmentally appropriate for primary-aged children. Anxiety is something many children can be impacted by through their own lives, siblings, parents, friends, etc. This book does an amazing job of describing how one may feel who has an anxiety disorder. It also focuses on how asking for help can alleviate some of the stresses anxiety can bring about in one’s life. In my preschool program, we focus on social/emotional development heavily throughout the year and this would be a great addition to the social/emotional unit I teach on emotions and how they can make you feel. This book would be great for families, educators, psychologists, developmental pediatricians, etc.This book is so beautiful and very developmentally appropriate for primary-aged children. Anxiety is something many children can be impacted by through their own lives, siblings, parents, friends, etc. This book does an amazing job of describing how one may feel who has an anxiety disorder. It also focuses on how asking for help can alleviate some of the stresses anxiety can bring about in one’s life. In my preschool program, we focus on social/emotional development heavily throughout the year and this would be a great addition to the social/emotional unit I teach on emotions and how they can make you feel. This book would be great for families, educators, psychologists, developmental pediatricians, etc.

[Abby (the_rainydayreader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Anxious by Luciana DeLuca is a beautiful, straightforward picture book that will be relatable and useful to children who suffer from anxiety disorder. The book not only uses a child's narrative to portray how anxiety feels, but also describes how one can use easy coping skills to relieve the anxious feelings. DeLuca also provides a "note to readers" (a page of text meant for the child to read) that again describes symptoms of anxiety and lets them know that they can find support from adults; and a "note to adults", which describes how they can talk to children about their anxiety.

I like the pencil illustrations that utilize line and color to portray emotion. The child and parent shown have tan skin and dark hair so it does portray some diversity in that respect.

I would definitely recommend this and order it for my library.

[Fran Ryougi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about anxiety. And I’m an anxious person. But I wasn’t an anxious kid.
Anxiety is something normal in life, but an anxiety too much high can transform life into a loud and chaotic hell.
This book is for explaining how kids that have too much anxiety live the world around them and the sensations inside their inner world.
The illustrations are beautiful, like a painting in traditional methods.
The character design of the little girl is adorable,
The explanation of what anxiety do to a kid is wonderful and very accurate. I know this because I lived anxiously situations in my childhood, when I got bullied. And now I have post traumatic stress disorder…
So yes, help kids with anxiety when they are little it’s important. This book can be read by children and by adults.
Kids can understand better that what they feel has a name and they can control it.
Adults can learn how to help kids and listening them.
Totally approved.
I loved it.

[Meagan Acquisto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for the early access copy of Anxious by Luciana DeLuca.

Anxious is the story of a child’s journey with anxiety. The wording choice is impactful and suitable for primary school aged children. The illustrations are stunning and express the child’s journey, beginning with partial black and white illustrations, transitioning to colored as the story progresses. This story will be a lovely addition as a teaching tool on anxiety for educators and an inclusive addition to elementary school libraries.

In addition to the story, the authors note includes a section for children and a section for adults. It includes resources available to support those who experience anxiety.

[sarah akins • smareads]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc! I read this with my daughter as she struggles personally with anxiety.
She is 7 years old and felt the book explained feelings of anxiety really well. The illustrations (read on kindle) were well done and supported the store and feelings expressed throughout. This was a wonderful children’s book for discussion(s) on anxiety

[Bunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Too simple for my purposes, but absolutely beautifully illustrated. A sweet way to explain to children what that awful tied up feeling they get sometimes is, and how to help get past it.

Really very pretty.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️this book
Wish there were more like it.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect. The art was gorgeous and the message was simple enough for kids to get, but also very realistic.

[Vir✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todas las cosas que siento desde chica encontrando las palabras correctas para hacerme sentir validada

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about anxiety that's great for both kiddos and caregivers. The illustrations are just lovely. The resources at the end were such a wonderful addition!

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and informative. Purchasing this if I ever have a kiddo :)

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley*

This is really sweet, and I'm sure for a certain population this would be helpful. It's certainly beautiful, simple, and straightforward, which are all beneficial things for an anxious child.

I struggle with the response/solution being to ask for help and a hug - the deep breathing part is great, but I could not help but think of the kiddos I work with who often don't have this option. Many caregivers are not emotionally (or even, at times, physically) available to provide a child with the kind of response that would co-regulate their anxieties.

So while I do think some children will benefit from this, and some might find it relatable, I would not recommend it to those who are struggling with anxiety and find themselves rather alone in dealing with it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is gorgeous and spot on. It explains beautifully the way anxiety manifests in many people. It puts in words and pictures that which is sometimes hard to explain. It also gives some great tips for overcoming those feelings. Great for children who don't quite know what to do when they feel that way. Great notes for parents in the back as well.

[Elly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Anxious" by Luciana De Luca, with illustrations by Natalí Barbani, is a deeply touching and insightful children's book that tackles the complex issue of anxiety through the eyes of a little girl. This book stands out as not only a story but also a valuable tool for children and caregivers alike in understanding and managing anxious feelings.

De Luca's narrative is both gentle and perceptive, inviting readers into the inner world of a young girl grappling with anxiety. The book is exceptional in its ability to articulate what many children find difficult to express, making it an important read for those who experience similar emotions. By choosing a child's perspective, the author ensures the story is accessible and relatable to its intended audience, making the topic of anxiety less intimidating and more understandable.

Natalí Barbani's illustrations play a crucial role in bringing the story to life. The artwork beautifully captures the protagonist's stress and discontent, using visual metaphors and a careful selection of colors to depict the fluctuating emotions associated with anxiety. The illustrations are not just complementary but are integral to the narrative, enhancing the reader's understanding of the protagonist's feelings and the concept of anxiety itself.

What makes "Anxious" particularly valuable is its practical approach to dealing with anxious feelings. The book goes beyond merely describing anxiety; it equips readers with coping skills demonstrated by the protagonist. These strategies are presented in a way that is easy for children to understand and apply, making the book an excellent resource for young readers aged 4 to 7 who may be navigating their own anxious feelings.

The inclusion of notes to caregivers at the end of the book is a thoughtful addition, providing adults with guidance and resources to support children in managing anxiety. This section ensures that the book's benefits extend beyond its pages, offering caregivers the knowledge and tools needed to help children navigate their emotions effectively.

[Leah Cyphert · Rating 4 out of 5]

With beautiful art and carefully chosen prose, “Anxious” by Luciana de Luca with illustrations by Natali Barbani (4 stars) (Pub Date: 3/14/2024) creates a beautiful and calming space to reflect on and work through the experience of being little and feeling intense worry or anxiety.

Good Things: The illustrations are excellent, using the movement of color, shading, and white space to explore what it feels like to be off - balance, to feel overwhelmed, or over-stimulated. Experiencing anxiety is a complex, and sometimes contradictory experience, and small children can relate to these illustrations in a way that adults might not. Their feelings are still those of color and movement, and less of words. The sparing language allows for the illustrations to tell the story, and makes the book more relatable to a child who might want to access the book alone. I also very much liked the write ups at the conclusion of the book.

Opportunities: While the illustrations were amazing, they are of one child throughout. The book might have benefited from having other children of different genders or backgrounds, visually experiencing the artistic anxiety, to allow for kids of all kinds to identify more with the story.

Final Thoughts: It’s refreshing and important to discuss the complex feelings and experiences associated with anxiety. Even at the earliest of ages, the feelings, sounds, colors, and shapes of anxiety can be addressed and normalized and this beautiful book is a great contribution to that mission.

I appreciate the opportunity afforded me to have an early read of this story by netgalley and Annick Press Ltd.. The opinions in this review are expressly those of ButIDigressBookClub and are intended for use by my followers and friends when choosing their next book. #butidigress #butidigressbookclub #anxiety #lucianadeluca #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #arc #arcs

Details
Review Shared on Goodreads - www.goodreads.com/leah_cyphert_butidi...
Publishing Review 2/17/2024

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love everything about this book. The story is relatable, and not only to anxious readers or people who have experienced anxiety, but also all neurodivergent readers. The feeling of strangeness, or things not being as they seem, the struggle to connect and not be overwhelmed by sounds and crowds, are all more universal than they might at first appear. The illustrations are endearing and made me love the characters, and that part of myself that feels this way as well. And I know if I feel that way, young readers will have that as well, only amplified by more in common with the speaker and her story. I love the butterfly outfit, and the quirky feelings throughout. It is often difficult to find beautiful, thoughtful quiet books about difference, disability and inclusion, and this book is all of those things. Lovely. I do wish there was more neurotypes directly addressed in the back material, as I feel this story will resonate with autistic readers, but the back material seems to focus only on neurotypical approaches. This is a small ask, as the book is so delightful, and that extra sentence or two would only expand its reach and meaning for me. A worthwhile read and addition to any library.

Note: This book was reviewed from an advance digital reading copy from the publisher. Art and text may change when final version published.

[Margarita Velazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

This sweet and candid children’s story depicts a child’s self-reflection of their anxious feelings. The illustrations are beautiful and provide a visual depth that perfectly accompanies the emotion explored within the story. I especially loved that the author included an element of self-advocacy, which is very important since it can be so easy to forget to ask for help. Furthermore, I think this story is a great resource for parents to engage in conversations with little ones about feelings surrounding anxiousness to provide better self-awareness. I appreciate the author’s collaboration with a Doctor of Psychology for the clarifying note to the reader and a thoughtful note to adults. There are conversation prompts, strategies, and resources listed for caregivers to utilize if needed. It is very apparent that the author and illustrator took so much care and thought in creating this story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with my kids. My 4-year-old daughter enjoyed the art, and it opened up a good conversation with 10 year-old autistic son. I highly recommend adding this book to your family library.

[Emily De La Mota · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of the book provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5 stars
Anxious is a children’s picture book about a young girl navigating and understanding anxiety.
The art and words pair beautifully in this story to provide a perfect tool for young children to identify anxious feelings. The descriptions of anxiety are simplistic and easy to understand while still ringing true to the experience of living with anxiety.
This is a book I wish I had as a child struggling with undiagnosed anxiety. The book identifies the feeling in ways that would make it easy for a child to understand and relay what they’re feeling- I feel this is important to note, since many adults still struggle with relaying the feelings and emotions that come with anxiety. The author also provides an easy to utilize coping mechanism for children. Further resources are then provided for parents/care takers at the end of the book.
I would recommend this book for parents, caretakers, and educators. This book would be invaluable for a child who may not even realize they are struggling with anxiety.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young children, and adults too, often struggle with the feelings brought on by anxiousness. It can often stop us from everyday life and the things we love. I struggle with this myself. This book touched very close to my heart, as well as my son’s. My son who is 4 also struggles with anxiety and how to handle it daily, sometimes several times a day. We received this as an ebook ARC and we absolutely love this book. The story is told from the child’s view and what she faces during her day. It shows the real emotions that she struggles with, even when the world around just feels like it is too much to handle. The book is so well written and easy to follow for all children to understand. The simple illustrations are perfect, they give a calm vibe and keep it simple to focus on what the story is all about. I like that the story explained how she felt, like screaming and feeling strange. It also talks about how she learns to calm and breathe and to find a balance. This story was perfect for our family and I will be adding to our home library. It was so easy for my son to relate to the story and better understand his feelings. Share this wonderful book with your family.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Pre-K teacher I am always on the lookout for good books to read to my students. Especially when they deal with feelings. I hear more and more about people of all ages dealing with anxiety. Although we have many books in our school library about feelings, there are so few on anxiety which is such an important topic. The lovely cover of this book caught my eye as well as the title. The illustrations throughout are so beautiful and gentle. As I started reading, I was a little concerned at first thinking that it might be putting negative/scary ideas in children’s heads which may not necessarily be there. However, I quickly changed my mind as I read on. I love how it gives suggestions to children on how to handle feelings like an anxiety, including taking breaths, and getting hugs and support from loved ones. At the end, it includes real life advice for both readers and caregivers on how to help children (and others!) with anxiety. I would gladly purchase this for my school library! Thank you to NetGalley for ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anxious is a book that I wished I had when I was younger. It offers easy to understand descriptions of what anxiety can feel like. To be able to name something and communicate what you’re feeling can be so powerful. There are pages that make me, as an adult, want to show people and say “This!! This is how it feels!”. I could see this book being useful to helping kids understand their own anxiety, but also maybe that of a sibling, friends, or parent.

The artwork is stunning. The scenes with fear and worry are darker color schemes, while the happier, calmer scenes are full of bright colors.

The end contains a note to readers that helps further explain anxiety and how to ask for help when it becomes too much. There is a note to adults and caregivers that offer suggested prompts for conversation, breathing techniques, and other coping strategies to help their anxious children.

I will absolutely be picking up a copy upon release.

Thank you to Netgalley and Annick Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Wafah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Anxious is a charming picture book by Luciana DeLuca that speaks about feelings and emotions in a way that children can relate to. It is usually difficult for children to express feelings especially anxiety, and De Luca takes a thoughtful approach to simplify the understanding of anxiety for kids. It's such a valuable resource for children who might struggle with anxiety, offering them a guide to their feelings. It's easy to read and breaks down a complex emotion gently reassuring them that having these feelings is a normal part of life and it is important to seek help when needed.

The charming illustrations by Natali Barbani are cute and so expressive.

It serves as a charming read and can also be used as a tool that parents, teachers, and caregivers can use to initiate conversations about emotions. B It promotes understanding, empathy, and the importance of seeking support when needed.

[KidsBookPick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luciana de Luca’s book, Anxious, walks the reader through the trials of anxiety through the eyes of a little girl. The girl’s life is dark and scary until she learns to ask for help. Support from others colors her world. The book ends with a substantial “Note to Reader” and “Note to Adults” that provides additional information about anxiety and how to deal with it. Anxiety affects our family, so seeing more books that address a life altering, but so common, experience is welcomed.

I was attracted to this book because of the cover art, and I was not disappointed throughout the story either. Natali Barbani’s emotional art conveys a sense of anxiety words cannot express. The limited color palette and dreamlike movement are the perfect companion to the beginning of the story where the girl’s anxiety is most pronounced and the colors chosen for when she comes out of her anxiety are both beautiful and calming.