Worry Ninja

Ninja Life Hacks #34

by Mary Nhin, Jelena Stupar (Illustrator)

Worry Ninja shares how he overcomes the worry wheel by using his circle of control and a dandelion.

Find out what happens in this comedic book about soothing your worries.

Genres: Childrens

35 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2020

Reviews

[Michelle Nigro · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Each year, approximately 20% of children in the USA and 10-10% of youth worldwide struggle with a mental disorder which significantly impacts their daily functioning." (Heath & Young, 2017). This statistic is staggering, and the number has probably increased with COVID 19 and its repercussions. Worry Ninja is a book to address the worries that we all have. While it is written as a picture book to speak directly to children, I think its principles are good for all ages. One of the things I find appealing about this book is its lack of gender representation. Worry Ninja is genderless, as are all the other little ninjas shown in the book. It's very easy to attach anxiety disorders to females, but all struggle with anxiety and panic disorders. Worry Ninja paints a picture of all the worries that can invade anyone's life. The illustrations by Jelena Stupar are colorful, expressive, but very much directed toward a younger audience. Each page's illustrations bleed to the end of the page creating an appeal that all are welcome and the concern of worry extends beyond the boundaries of the book. The narrator speaks directly to the reader, giving power, agency, and representation to anyone who comes to speak with Worry Ninja.

The prominent coping mechanism of the book is the Circle of Control. The Circle of Control is well explained and presented in a colorful wheel which can be understood by the most primary of children, yet applicable to any age. The presentation of the Circle of Control encourages Self-awareness and self-management on the part of the reader. The book begins with Worry Ninja being in a place of accomplishment, having gained a certain sense of triumph over the worry that has plagued Worry Ninja in the past. A common SEL technique with anxiety and worry is to teach the students to identify what they can control and write it down. After writing it down the student is prompted to write what they CAN do the next time the worry/anxiety/stress begins to invade their thinking. Worry Ninja explains this same process, thus reinforcing the SEL techniques that the student will be learning in class. Worry Ninja is a great bibliotherapy choice for any SEL lesson, and any student battling anxiety and worry.

[Cheryl]

Um, I like this series, but I'm not sure about this one. If you can't control a situation that has you worried, just imagine blowing it away like a dandelion puff and stop thinking about it? Maybe that would work for kids who have a safe home, but I, at least, need to be given permission to make a plan for what would I do/how would I recover.... Hm....

[Cynthia Gutzwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not just meant for children, adults could also use the tools in this book. Worrying less has no age group. The illustrations are perfect and the storyline is engrossing. Kids will love learning what to do when they have a name for being worried and then have a way to make themselves feel better. I highly recommend this book and the Life Hacks Series.
Worry Ninja use to worry all the time. What if? What if? What if? Zen Ninja taught him a way that made him feel better about storms and shoes that are to big. What did he do? What did he show him to make? Wouldn't you like to know how to feel better when thunder and lightning comes around? What do you do with a dandelion? Read/listen to the story and find out. Yeah!! Yipee!!

[Katri Lynn]

We enjoyed reading this book. I was disappointed with the length of the book and I am happy we read it on KU instead of purchasing the book itself. The book has a helpful suggestion and coping skill included.

[Jen Avant Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book...

My seven year old LOVES these books. They are perfectly on his level and he really takes to heart the advice.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun-ly said, i think worry is a normal emotion, so having ways to easy your feelings, and help move your thoughts and mind to happy healthier thoughts so important. what fun!! these ninjas are coming out of the wood work ...didn't realize there were so many of them out there. they are great, learning experience ... positive enforcement. we all need that ... even adults. get those good vibes flowing. always and forever.

[ReensReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and easy way to let go of your worries

This is a nice and short story about dealing with worries using a very helpful and practical method that is easily applicable. The illustrations are great as always.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worry Ninja learns a valuable lesson on accepting what they can control and learning to let go of everything else. Zen Ninja shows him how to get rid of the worry wheel in his mind.