This Will Pass

by J. Donnini

A charming reminder for kids that even the worst things don't last forever.

"Unlike many picture books that seek to comfort young audiences by assuring them that their apprehensions are unfounded, Donnini’s quiet prose shows readers that worry is a feeling as valid as any other . . . the world is an increasingly worrisome place, and books like this one, that offer simple acknowledgement of this fact, are just as essential as those that offer elaborate escape. Timely assurance of the impermanence of life’s difficulties." ―Kirkus Reviews

It's time for little Crue's first big adventure with his Great Uncle Ollie, but he can't help but worry: What if the boat breaks? Or an octopus swallows them in one gulp? Or a family of whales takes over the boat?

It seems the worries will follow him around forever until Great Uncle Ollie squeezes his hand and shares his secret mantra: Be calm, it will pass. Through storms . . . Be calm, it will pass . . . passing sharks . . . Be calm, it will pass . . . even through a pirate attack . . . Be calm, it will pass . . . Great Uncle Ollie's mantra keeps Crue afloat―until it's time for a solo journey of his own.

For kids who worry or stress over life's troubles, This Will Pass is a welcome lesson in mindful patience.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Mental Health, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2022

About the author

J.Donnini is a mother a “Professional daydreamer”, and children’s book writer for over a decade. She formerly studied music in New York and studies and has multiple teaching certificates in spiritual teaching and consciousness development. Joy incorporates these studies within her books through the emphasis on musicality and message within her books.
Joy’s books focus on kindness, empathy, diversity
and love and respect for each other and this beautiful planet
that we all share. She also addresses social emotional issues
such as anxiety in her upcoming book It Will Pass,
Where she incorporates calming techniques for the young readers.
Joy not only wants to entertain but empower all children.
Her published works include Ruby Lee, Echoes,
Fireflies, The Spirit Bunnies, Patches and the Spirit
Bunnies, Rock and the Fly and This Will Pass.

Reviews

[Kiera Beddes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Crue is on the adventure of a lifetime, sailing the high seas with his Great-Uncle Ollie. Despite the many scary events and storms that arise, Great-Uncle Ollie teaches Crue how to face each challenge with serenity and peace of mind.

This is a charming little book that helps address anxiety and stress with little audiences. The illustrations are so adorable, and I loved the overall message of the story. It would be a great addition to the SEL collection in your library.

[SamSamSam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know that literal near-death situations are a great allegory for emotional distress.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is This Will Pass, written by J. Donnini and illustrated by Luke Scriven, a beautiful meditation on navigating life’s storms.

Crue is all abuzz, waiting for his favorite great-uncle Ollie to arrive for a visit. Ollie is a high-seas adventurer, and once arriving, announces that he is taking Crue on his first voyage to the distant destination of Mashore. While Crue is excited, he’s also worried: the sea is a dangerous and unpredictable place, with storms and accidents and massive monsters. Great-uncle and nephew set off, and it’s smooth sailing for a time, until a storm sends the boat tossing and turning. Crue is terrified, but Ollie teaches him how to calm himself and weather the waves and wind. The two make it out, and continue their travels. Yet once they reach Mashore, Ollie has one more surprise in store for Crue: he must captain his own way back home.

Lovely. Donnini crafts a beautiful allegory for facing a larger and unknown world – first at the side of a trusted mentor, then on one’s own. Yet instead of treating fear or worry as emotions to be ignored, readers are given tools like mantras and breathing exercises to help manage emotions and work through them. It’s an approach to anxiety that is both affirming and constructive, and becomes a wonderful strategy for kids’ emotional toolkits. Scriven’s gorgeous illustrations compliment this perfectly, never reaching truly terrifying territory yet still expressing honest emotions that young readers can recognize and identify with. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ really enjoyed this one, immediately retaining the “Be calm, it will pass” mantra introduced in the story. Overall, this is a fantastic way to explore anxious emotions with children, and we highly recommend it. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps as I sail through the sea of well intended mediocrities that represent children's picture books of this era, I should take the title of this book as my mantra, and rejoice when I find the tiny islets where better books can still be found.

And this is a better book in its genre. It's yet another book to help kids with anxiety,but it is built around a nice story and the artwork, while pretty typical of the current trends, works well. It's good enough for me to consider it a 4 star book, and I'd give it 3.75 if I could.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book about learning to acknowledge scary feelings and emotions and how to handle them. A young boy goes on an exciting sea adventure with his great-uncle but faces new situations that give him anxiety and make him scared. His uncle teaches him how to acknowledge those emotions and guides him through how to handle them. A beautiful book to begin a conversation about mental health and healthy habits with children.

[Tracy Mollicone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I was looking for. Read this book to my 7 year old daughter because I was looking for something to help a discussion with what to do when she gets anxious. It did just that plus she loved the story! Helpful discussion on what to do when life gives you challenges. Plus the illustrations are beautiful. Great little adventurous story set in the sea.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of resilience and building confidence in ourselves to take on the worries we have in life both found and unfounded - yet still within our ability to imagine, and take on the adventures life offers us, both together and solo.
Back page offers breathing and mantra tips to curb anxiety.

[Sergio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book an instant classic. The writing and illustrations compliment each other so well, which is hard to find, especially with such a tough subject as children dealing with stressful situations. In this day and age there needs to be more books like this.

[August · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story with nice art, but I wouldn't recommend it as a way to talk about anxiety with kids.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty illustrations throughout the book and a great message for children.

[Andi Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bushel & Peck books are always a feast for the eyes. This is a well-crafted story about overcoming anxiety with the help of a knowledgeable and loving older family member.

[Celest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and sad

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the metaphors were great in this book for someone who has worries or anxiety, that everything seems big and overwhelming . But it is empowering for kids to learn tools to get through the big feelings.It is fun and entertaining for kids to get the message but not be scared by it. The author and illustrator achieved a good balance with this . I would recommend this charming book.
i like at the end there are helpful, practical tools for kids to battle anxious and worrying thoughts .