Absolutely No Worries

by Laurel Gale, Anne Wilsdorf (illustrator)

With an emergency parachute in her pocket and zombie self-defense skills under her belt, Emma is prepared for any catastrophe . . . so why does she still feel afraid?

Emma needs to make sure she’s prepared for whatever disasters may lie beyond the front door. A ladder to escape from exploding volcanoes? Check. Garlic in case a bloodthirsty vampire is poised to attack? Check. Extra socks for . . . well, just in case? Check!

When Emma is faced with a situation she is not prepared for, she learns the most valuable survival skill of to accept that it doesn’t have to be scary when some things are out of her control. Written for kids with big imaginations and everyday jitters, here is a picture book that shows that with a pinch of courage, you can be ready for absolutely anything.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Juvenile, Psychology, Mental Health

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Laurel Gale writes books for children. Her first picture book, Robots Don't Make You Go to Bed, was published in 2024. Her next picture book, Absolutely No Worries, comes out in 2025. Her children's novels include Dead Boy and Story Magic. She lives with her husband and their ferrets in Idaho. In addition to writing, she enjoys taking wildlife photos, playing board games, and reading. She loves animals and thinks mustelids (ferrets, weasels, otters, mink, etc.) are simply the best. You can visit Laurel online at laurelgale.com or on X/Twitter at @laurel_gale.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5yr old:I liked the kitty the BEST 😺 The cat was meowing and Emma put on so much sunscreen 🤣 She tried to save her kitty but the kitty wasn’t even in danger! Then she got the mail like her mom said 📬 There was no danger at the door… just the mail! 😆

8yr old: I liked how Emma wanted to save her cat from “danger” but the cat just wanted attention 😂 She was only supposed to get the mail because her mom asked her to but she tried to get ready for everything, so her backpack got super stuffed 🎒I learned that you don’t have to be scared of every little thing. Sometimes you can’t prepare for everything and you just figure it out when it happens 🌟

My review: As a parent I felt this one 😅 This is such a sweet and funny reminder that our kids’ minds can turn even the tiniest task into a full-blown adventure. Emma’s over-the-top “what ifs” are so relatable but the story shows them (and us) that worry is normal and manageable.

I love how the book gently walks kids from fear to acceptance, helping them build resilience, self-awareness, and a bit of bravery along the way 💛 It opens the door for those big conversations about anxiety but in a way that feels light, comforting and actually fun.

The illustrations are bright, whimsical and totally engaging, my two girls were glued to the pages✨
Overall, it’s a perfect reminder that you can prepare for everything… but sometimes all you really need is a deep breath and a little confidence 🌈💪

[Kenny Goh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Absolutely No Worries" is a positive and imaginative perspective on children’s anxiety and control, showcasing Emma’s extensive preparations in a humorous and significant manner. It demonstrates how children develop when they realise that life has unexpected moments and that fear does not have to be overwhelming.

This book gently introduces children to the idea that worry is natural, but it doesn’t have to take over. By showing Emma’s journey from fear to acceptance, Absolutely No Worries helps children understand resilience, self-awareness, and the joy of embracing the unknown. It’s especially valuable for sparking conversations about how we deal with fear and uncertainty.

Anne Wilsdorf’s artwork adds a burst of colour and energy to Emma’s wild imagination. The illustrations bring to life her elaborate preparations with charm and warmth. The visual humour balances emotional depth, helping children connect with Emma’s experience while keeping the tone light and inviting.

Its premise and message indicate that it will be an excellent read-aloud for those who have vivid imaginations and occasionally worry about “what ifs”. I highly recommend it, particularly when adults are present to help unravel the emotional rhythm: Emma’s encounter with an unexpected situation ignites the actual lesson.

[Rebekah Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely No Worries is a charming and beautifully illustrated picture book that perfectly captures the whimsical (and sometimes worrisome) imagination of a child. The vibrant, eye-catching artwork immediately draws the reader in and complements the playful storytelling.

The story follows Emma, a young girl with an overactive imagination, who is given the simple task of fetching the mail for her mother. What should be an easy errand quickly spirals into a parade of “what ifs” as Emma’s mind races through all sorts of wild possibilities. Laurel Gale captures the way children can turn everyday moments into grand adventures, full of both worry and wonder.

The book strikes a lovely balance; while acknowledging how overwhelming worries can feel, it also celebrates creativity and resilience. Young readers will see themselves in Emma’s exaggerated but relatable fears, while parents will appreciate the gentle reminder that imagination is not only normal, but something to be celebrated.

This story is sure to delight children and adults alike, making it a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#AbsolutelyNoWorries #LaurelGale #ChildrensBooks #NetGalley

[Jesus Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity to review a digital copy.

"Absolutely No Worries" is a delightful children's book that tackles the theme of overcoming fears with charm and creativity. The storyline is engaging, offering relatable scenarios that resonate with young readers and encourage them to face their anxieties. What truly stood out for me were the illustrations; they evoke a vibrant early 90s art style reminiscent of classic picture books. The colors are rich, and the main character is depicted with a whimsical flair that adds to the overall warmth of the narrative. This blend of nostalgia and valuable life lessons makes it an enchanting read. I am confident that I will be adding one or more copies of this book to our school library, as it not only entertains but also fosters emotional resilience in children.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute, silly book stars a young girl who has lots of worries, and who always comes up with elaborate plans to prepare for every possible problem. In the end, she's able to make it to the mailbox and back just fine, and nothing horrible happens! Kids and parents will enjoy this humorous story that explores anxiety. The silly elements can be especially effective, because it can help kids see how unlikely it is that this girl's fears will come true. The silliness also prevents this book from becoming anxiety-inducing in and of itself. This works well both as a story and as a conversation opportunity.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone has ever felt a worry (big or small) before leaving home (even to check the mailbox or your kitty), this book's for you. Emma's imagination runs wild as she worries about lava, cliffs, aliens, hoards of mice, raging giants, dragons bent on destruction, etc.

I enjoyed the colorful & whimsical illustrations and the treatment of fear as a serious feeling, deserving of attention and care. Don't forget to read "Emma's List of How to Prepare for Anything" at the back of the book -- it's pretty great:

1. Take a deep breath.
2. Talk about how you're feeling
3. Remember the things that make you happy.
4. Have a plan.
5. Identify the people you can go to for help.
6. Believe in yourself.

Themes: Emotions: fear/worry; humor
Ages: preK-2nd grade+
Pub year: 2025

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, lighthearted story of a girl named Emma who is prepared for absolutely everything — from vampires and volcanoes to sunburns and a sock shortage, she's ready! But when she starts to spiral (what if, what if, what if?!) she finally has to stand tall, be courageous, and take the risk, no matter what may come her way.

An awesome book with adorable illustrations that will instill in kids the ability to face their worries head on. The back page has some really great tips for calming anxieties, as well! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katelyn Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I received this book from NetGalley -

This is the type of book that a strong feeling kid would benefit from. Although my kids have never spiraled as much as Emma did in this book, I do understand the wanting to prep for every weather condition and if we have enough food for a 20 minute car ride.

I like that Emma was able to eventually get out of the house and was able to get out of her spiral on her own and not from a parent intervening.

The list at the end of the book for how to prepare for anything is a nice touch as kids could easily flip to this page to go over all the steps to feel more in control of the situation.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Astra Publishing House through NetGalley.
Emma is feeling brave about going outside to get the mail. She prepares for all possibilities and dangers before she opens the door. Readers will enjoy the various paraphernalia she gathers and carries. When she still pauses, she hears her cat meowing outside. She knows she has to rescue him and bravely opens the door. Of course, it is a lovely day and all goes well. Terrific dialogue starter for families to talk about conquering fears and also for what else could she have brought along to challenge their creativity.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book about believing in yourself while trying to overcome your fears. Emma needs to get the mail for mom and is afraid. But, no worries. She has a plan, many plans in case she needs help. She is prepared for anything and everything, but she still can’t go outside. Then she hears the kitty meow outside. What does she do? Will she rescue her?
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma needs to get the mail. But she is worried about everything. She has to prepare for her imagination to run wild with all the things that could be outside the door. In general, I like this book, I think it’s adorable. But at the same time, it makes me think of the start of a agoraphobia. And that if a child is constantly having this feeling there may be something bigger going on. So I like this book but as an adult, I read too much into it.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is going to get the mail, or is she? 

A lot can lurk outside your home, so she gets very prepared.

This is so much fun to read! I just love the vibrant colors, and Laurel honors children by using words that will grow vocabularies. 

This would be a perfect read aloud for kindergarten through 5th grade. I think it would make a great mentor text or segue into a writing lesson. 

Kids will laugh and relate to Emma, and so will the adults. Win-win!

[Precious Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read for the kiddos! This is a great way to remind them to stay brave. Anything that came Emma’s way she was ready. This book could be used to give kid strength when it comes to worries & more. I really love at the end of the book when you gave instructions on how to prepare for anything just like Emma!

Thank you Netgalley & Laurel for the opportunity to read this Arc!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, simple story about a young girl being prepared for whatever arises on her trip to her mailbox. The watercolor artwork is whimsical, and the "preparation list" as the end of the book is an excellent addition. Recommended for any social and emotional learning collection.

Thank you to Astra Publishing House for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book that helps to explain anxiety. Sometimes I feel like children's books like these aren't just for the children, but also for the adults. All of the things that Emma is worried about couldn't possibly happen to her but that is what anxiety does to you! I love that it includes Emma's List of How to Prepare for Anything in the back of the book!

[Courtney Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the digital copy of this book.

What a wonderful book to explore the feelings of anxiety and preparedness for anything with children! I will be purchasing this book to add to my nieces library when it is available.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma has one simple mission; retrieve the mail from the mailbox. But before she steps outside, Emma has taken every precaution to ensure she's ready and prepared for every possible mishap that could possibly occur. Tag along with Emma in this quirky tale of how to prepare for anything.

[Ossy Firstan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucu banget, untuk menghindari diri dari bencana, kita harus punya barang-barang utk melindungi dan menyelamatkan diri. Tapi, nggak berlebihan juga wkwk

[Laurel Zeisler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to start a discussion about fears your own child (student) has. Funny and beautiful illustrations. Has a page at the end with tips for reducing anxiety.

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC. This book talks about over coming your fears and coping with your anxiety. It was a cute story with great illustrations.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful

[Lauren M · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many times, a big imagination can lead to overthinking! But it's important to take a deep breath - it may be better than expected!

[AllyP Reads Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This kid worries a lot and probably should have just checked out the window for all the dangers that could be coming.