A Little Bit Worried
By Ciara Gavin
Illustrated by Tim Warnes
(Little Tiger Press, 2020)
Good to read for:
encouraging children to share their worries
teaching empathy
exploring mindfulness
When Weasel is caught in a big, angry storm, he builds a fortress to hide in.
But then he meets Mole, who loves to play in the wind and splash in the rain! Mole is kind and compassionate. He gently questions and listens to Weasel, teaching him to reframe his thoughts, overcome his fears and find joy – whatever the weather!
Why I recommend this book:
The release of A Little Bit Worried coincided perfectly with the sudden rise of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. I immediately saw the parallels - fearful Weasel locks himself away, afraid of the raging storm outside.
I've learnt from experience that one of the most effective ways of dealing with anxiety is by learning to reframe negative thoughts and emotions. I'm not talking about going into denial and pretending nothing's going on. It's about being thankful - and finding joy - in the small things. Just like Mole! Brimming over with joie de vivre, he wants to have fun and sees the good in everything.
A great story about friendship – and a reminder that we're all different.
“Mole is kind and compassionate – a great role model for us all! By encouraging Weasel to talk about his fears, their power is diminished. Which makes this book an excellent resource for supporting anxious children.”
– Tim
Reviews
“This gentle story offers the perfect starting point for conversations about worries and fears.”
- North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award
“uplifting and joyful!”
– @afamilythatreads
“I love the way that this book isn’t dismissive of those self-protective behaviours we have but rather encourages a more mindful approach to the fearful things we can’t control.”
– @bookbairn
“Sweet depictions of reassurance and friendship.”
– Kirkus Reviews
Get the book
A Little Bit Worried
A.K.A. Weasel is Worried (USA)
Dive deeper
https://www.timwarnes.com/blog/2020/4/15/a-little-bit-worried
https://www.timwarnes.com/blog/2020/3/17/facing-the-storm-together
https://www.timwarnes.com/blog/2020/3/12/what-is-it-with-weasels
https://www.timwarnes.com/blog/2019/8/12/rabbits-and-mice-and-bears-oh-my
