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Problems
The Problem with Problems
Have you ever met a Problem? They come in all shapes and sizes, and can pop up at the most inconvenient times. But you should know some things about them that will help you make them disappear…
This one-of-a-kind picture book will help little ones and grown-ups alike deal with their pesky problems, from award-winning children's poet Rachel Rooney. For fans of Ed Vere and Kes Gray.
This one-of-a-kind picture book will help little ones and grown-ups alike deal with their pesky problems, from award-winning children's poet Rachel Rooney. For fans of Ed Vere and Kes Gray.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2020
2 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 9, 2020
Watched Tom Hardy read this on CBeebies Bedtime Stories. I would love for Tom to read to me each evening, he's a bit cute doing kids stories. This book deals with how to tame problems and the artwork is adorable.
March 13, 2021
The fact that this book came out during a pandemic highlights how inadequate it is. I appreciate the author's desire to share a thoughtful and reassuring message, and the illustrations visualize problems in playful and concrete ways, but the ultimate message is that if you name your problems, face them, and discuss them with someone else, then your problems will disappear.
Hah. Right. Tell that to people who live with physical or mental illness, poverty, family dysfunction, or any other deep, lasting struggle. I know that the author meant well, and her message does apply to many garden varieties of problems, but I wish that she had chosen a different conclusion. Overall, this book provides a nuanced look into what problems are like, how they make us feel, and how we can respond to them, but the happy ending distorts the truth.
I can think of lots of problems in my life that I dealt with in the ways outlined here, and which did eventually disappear. However, reductive views like this offer nothing to someone who is dealing with an intense, ongoing issue that no amount of positive thinking or perspective change can solve. There's no reason for the author to focus on trauma or horrifying elements of life in a book for small children, and I don't think that she should have addressed deeper issues, but because she finished her book with a false promise, I couldn't help reflecting on all of the life situations that this would be completely inappropriate for.
Hah. Right. Tell that to people who live with physical or mental illness, poverty, family dysfunction, or any other deep, lasting struggle. I know that the author meant well, and her message does apply to many garden varieties of problems, but I wish that she had chosen a different conclusion. Overall, this book provides a nuanced look into what problems are like, how they make us feel, and how we can respond to them, but the happy ending distorts the truth.
I can think of lots of problems in my life that I dealt with in the ways outlined here, and which did eventually disappear. However, reductive views like this offer nothing to someone who is dealing with an intense, ongoing issue that no amount of positive thinking or perspective change can solve. There's no reason for the author to focus on trauma or horrifying elements of life in a book for small children, and I don't think that she should have addressed deeper issues, but because she finished her book with a false promise, I couldn't help reflecting on all of the life situations that this would be completely inappropriate for.
August 12, 2020
#dieprobleemmetprobleme - Rachel Rooney & Zehra Hicks
#lapa
Hierdie boek se illustrasies het reeds met die eerste oogopslag my hart gesteel, want die aartappeldrukwerk en spatsel- krabbelpatrone het my dadelik aan my kleuterskooldae herinner; ek het dit letterlik dekades laas gesien !
Die teks was ewe oulik: in eenvoudige rymterme word kleintjies geleer hoe om probleme te hanteer. Op hulle eie vlak leer hulle speel-speel belangrike dinge, soos om oor probleme te praat, om nie daaroor te tob nie, om uit ‘n ander perspektief daarna te kyk, dit te identifiseer en om te besef dat die meeste probleme tydelik van aard is.
Dis ‘n pragtige, nuttige 5 ster-boek en ‘n aanwins vir die kindermark. Dis gepas vir voorlees en vir jong selflesers.
#Uitdieperdsebek.
#lapa
Hierdie boek se illustrasies het reeds met die eerste oogopslag my hart gesteel, want die aartappeldrukwerk en spatsel- krabbelpatrone het my dadelik aan my kleuterskooldae herinner; ek het dit letterlik dekades laas gesien !
Die teks was ewe oulik: in eenvoudige rymterme word kleintjies geleer hoe om probleme te hanteer. Op hulle eie vlak leer hulle speel-speel belangrike dinge, soos om oor probleme te praat, om nie daaroor te tob nie, om uit ‘n ander perspektief daarna te kyk, dit te identifiseer en om te besef dat die meeste probleme tydelik van aard is.
Dis ‘n pragtige, nuttige 5 ster-boek en ‘n aanwins vir die kindermark. Dis gepas vir voorlees en vir jong selflesers.
#Uitdieperdsebek.
March 9, 2021
In this colorfully illustrated story, problems are portrayed as colorful, oddly shaped blobs. Children are told that sometimes they are big, small, hairy, etc. Readers are encouraged to talk about their problems with other if they won't go away.
I love the premise of this book. Children often need help understanding what problems are and how to handle them. But it is a bit esoteric. I think it could be really useful if parents/educators turned this into a craft project and made it interactive. Kids could create their own "problems" with craft supplies and then they could practice naming the problems and work out how to make them disappear. Or caretakers could name the "problems" while reading to make the concept more concrete.
I love the premise of this book. Children often need help understanding what problems are and how to handle them. But it is a bit esoteric. I think it could be really useful if parents/educators turned this into a craft project and made it interactive. Kids could create their own "problems" with craft supplies and then they could practice naming the problems and work out how to make them disappear. Or caretakers could name the "problems" while reading to make the concept more concrete.
July 1, 2020
We may think that kids are small and have no worries since we take such good care of them, but they have their own small things that trouble them. In this book they are taught that we all worrie about different stuff and it is okey to share them to make them smaller or even disappear, no matter what the issue is.
September 22, 2020
Is there anything better than a profound children's book? The artwork in this is adorable and the message is wonderful for all-ages. Highly recommended!
November 14, 2020
Charming rhyming text that addresses problems as adorable creatures that are more easily addressed than we think they are. A sweet and empowering way for kids to face their problems head-on.
March 27, 2021
I have always loved picture books that deal with feelings and emotions so I couldn't wait to read The Problem With Problems and it didn't disappoint! The story follows children as they go about their lives but unfortunately have a problem that occurs and they have a desire to fix.
I think the best things about books like this is how they get children talking about topics or feelings they might otherwise be shy or find it hard to talk about. Seeing the different problems throughout the book made the children think about what each of the children's problems were and whether they thought it was a problem. Some of the children thought the spider was a problem for them whilst others thought he was friendly, for example, it was lovely to hear them discussing it as this helps them make sense of it and consider what they may not have thought about before.
The illustrations are fantastic with brightly coloured, often monster like problems, through most of the book. The children loved seeing all of the problems and deciding what they thought might be the problem. It's nice to see a mix of problems too with some being smaller problems like dropping glue and others being more serious like becoming stuck in a wheelchair. In a way, having so many problems on each page normalised problems which is good to show the children that even when you feel alone with your problems, everyone has them which makes the ending even more special and a helpful way to show the children how they can get help with their problems whatever they may be.
This is a brilliant book to read with children to get them talking about problems they may have or discussing problems they may have through characters in the book. This is a fun rhyming story the children loved and is perfect to show we all have problems but they can be fixed!
I think the best things about books like this is how they get children talking about topics or feelings they might otherwise be shy or find it hard to talk about. Seeing the different problems throughout the book made the children think about what each of the children's problems were and whether they thought it was a problem. Some of the children thought the spider was a problem for them whilst others thought he was friendly, for example, it was lovely to hear them discussing it as this helps them make sense of it and consider what they may not have thought about before.
The illustrations are fantastic with brightly coloured, often monster like problems, through most of the book. The children loved seeing all of the problems and deciding what they thought might be the problem. It's nice to see a mix of problems too with some being smaller problems like dropping glue and others being more serious like becoming stuck in a wheelchair. In a way, having so many problems on each page normalised problems which is good to show the children that even when you feel alone with your problems, everyone has them which makes the ending even more special and a helpful way to show the children how they can get help with their problems whatever they may be.
This is a brilliant book to read with children to get them talking about problems they may have or discussing problems they may have through characters in the book. This is a fun rhyming story the children loved and is perfect to show we all have problems but they can be fixed!
February 6, 2021
The reader will need to infer what ‘The Problem” is with problems. Rather, this book helps the reader identify various types of problems and how to deal with them. It recognizes that some situations are problems for some people, but not others. Reads easily like a narrative, but there are no main characters or story line.
Some solutions are specific, such as “ignore them”; figurative language describes others (...will wilt when they’re left in the shade) and may need adult explanation if warranted. Overall, it is a welcoming way to introduce, explain, or brainstorm ways a child could deal with most any problem they may encounter - big or small. The final message to share them is critical, and a lesson even adults could consider doing.
Cartoonish, bright, full-color illustrations show children in various situations dealing with creatures of non-descript shapes
UsePair with “What Do You Do With a Problem?” (Kobi Yamada, 2016) or “Penguin Problems” (Jory John, 2016).
Some solutions are specific, such as “ignore them”; figurative language describes others (...will wilt when they’re left in the shade) and may need adult explanation if warranted. Overall, it is a welcoming way to introduce, explain, or brainstorm ways a child could deal with most any problem they may encounter - big or small. The final message to share them is critical, and a lesson even adults could consider doing.
Cartoonish, bright, full-color illustrations show children in various situations dealing with creatures of non-descript shapes
UsePair with “What Do You Do With a Problem?” (Kobi Yamada, 2016) or “Penguin Problems” (Jory John, 2016).
February 15, 2021
Was ist ein Problem und wie geht man damit um? Diese Fragen werden hier sehr liebevoll, kindgerecht und humorvoll behandelt. Dabei werden alltägliche Kinder-Probleme (Schnürsenkel binden, Eis fällt herunter, Pipi müssen, Hunger haben) aufgegriffen, sodass Kindern verständlich wird, was als Problem bezeichnet werden kann und ihre Probleme ernst genommen werden! Das Buch zeigt die Vielfalt von Problemen und bietet vermittelt etwas ganz Wichtiges: Niemand ist allein, sich jemandem anvertrauen und über sein Problem sprechen ist wichtig und hilft!
Ein schön diverses Bilderbuch mit Kindern of Colour, Kind im Rollstuhl, Frau mit Kopftuch ...
Ein schön diverses Bilderbuch mit Kindern of Colour, Kind im Rollstuhl, Frau mit Kopftuch ...
July 23, 2025
This book features colorful, kid-centric illustrations that depict a variety of problems with rhyming text that presents simple solutions for basic problem-solving, plus some helpful advice for children and adults alike: “Problems breed Problems. Please keep them apart. Don’t feed them. Don’t pet them. Don’t take them to heart. If ever you spot one heading your way . . . try to avoid it. Don’t ask it to play.” The ending is a bit simplistic, as others have noted, but this book is very effective as a conversation starter for the target audience.
May 29, 2020
A lovely short story about what to do with a problem. Ideal for younger children as it allows them to visualise the problem as an object. Without focusing on a specific or personal problem, the story is applicable to all and encourages children to talk about their problems and what to do with them. Could work really well as a PSHE circle time to invite children to talk about more unique problems, or talk about advice for someone who has a problem.
September 19, 2020
Teachers and social workers will like this one.
Most especially the ending that encourages children to talk to someone about their problems. Illustrations are bright and colorful. Size of book is good for group sharing. At times vague and may require some adult explanation and discussion (when problems "wilt when left in the shade.")
Most especially the ending that encourages children to talk to someone about their problems. Illustrations are bright and colorful. Size of book is good for group sharing. At times vague and may require some adult explanation and discussion (when problems "wilt when left in the shade.")
September 19, 2020
I'm a big fan of children's books that deal honestly with the topic of mental health. This picture book is about different kinds of problems and how they might make a child feel, with a good dose of coping skills thrown in. With colorful and mischievous illustrations, it would make an excellent discussion starter.
December 29, 2020
Bought this recently - another beautiful, wise and funny book by Rachel Rooney, author of the brilliant My Body is Me. With witty illustrations by Zehra Hicks, it’s a really invaluable start to any child’s life and emotional/psychological well-being. It seems both the author and Gillian Anderson no less have done video readings in which you can check out this little gem for yourself.
October 4, 2022
The Problem with Problems is a great read for younger children, I would say Pre-K-kindergarten. The illustrations are colorful and simple--elements that are great for younger kids. I liked that the story ended by emphasizing the need for connection with others in order to solve problems. I also liked the emphasis on looking at problems from different perspectives.
March 18, 2020
Another fantastic book from Rachel Rooney. It's wonderfully colourful and gently rhyming. I think everyone should should this young or old. Best self help book ever! Puts all problems in perspective.
October 21, 2020
So simple but so impactful. Problems and worries can grow to such epic proportions in kid’s heads, but Rooney helps knock them down to size and teaches that sharing them with someone you trust can help to make them go away. Try Ruby finds a worry by Tom Percival for a read-a-like.
November 20, 2020
Super cute! Easy to follow text and bright illustrations. Great for kids who are just learning to explore how problems make them feel and how to deal with them rather than react to them. Would be great for a problem-solving STEM story time or a story time about feelings.
December 13, 2020
THIS! Teaching kids how to acknowledge problems and work for solutions. We've lost that as a society. Just look at the people who absolutely refuse to believe the pandemic is real and brag about being dirty and ignorant.
January 27, 2021
This book is about how problems come into your life and distract and harass you and then discusses how to make problems go away (eg problems don't like being shared, so talking about them with a parent or teacher can help them grow smaller and disappear). A good one to share with an anxious child.
May 23, 2021
Rachel is a wonderful poet, whose many years of experience working with children, shows a deep understanding of the issues that face them. Always has the child's best interest at heart and it shows in her work.
November 16, 2022
An abstract look at how to deal with problems, which can be hard for kids to grasp but also can be a good catalyst for conversations about different types of problems and how to deal with them. I love a good rhythmic flow and colorful pictures ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 2, 2025
I love how colorful the illustration is, the book introduces problem solving in age appropriate way. Students don’t always know how to solve a problem but by helping students identify them and providing tools to deal with them, really goes a long way!
March 6, 2020
Bright illustrations explore what to do when we have a problem and the best way to solve it. Pre-prep - Year 2.
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June 21, 2020An encouraging, often funny, tale about problems and how if you share them, you can cause them to shrink and even go away.
December 16, 2020
Good book about dealing with & solving problems
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August 15, 2020Cute way to describe problems and how to deal with them.
September 1, 2020
This book was a bit weird but I did like that it encourages readers to share their problems with a trusted adult because sharing your problems can truly help.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews