When Worry Takes Hold (Worry Series)

I bought this for my son who Is five years old. I personally felt that the first part of the book was really scary/dark and actually adds more anxiety to children's already existing anxiety. I'm a professional school counselor and do not think I would read this book to my kindergarteners. The word "courage" Is also a little difficult for some five year olds to grasp, so I think the more appropriate age for this book would be 7+. Yes, the book did give some advice on how to deal with your worries, but overall, I felt the book was a little too mature for my five year old so I returned it.

One of the things that I love about this book is that it addresses that Maya made the choice to replace worry with courage by way of calm breathing. It wasn't that she never worried again, but that she greeted it and then moved on. Then she realized that she didn't meet each new thing with "what if", but instead replaced it with right thinking...Are our fears and worries gone? No, of course not. But I can tell you this book has been a God-send! It has remained on my living room table for a week now and been read multiple times a day, together, but mostly alone by my son. I think he has found comfort in the words, acceptance in the fact that he is not alone, and courage through the simple breathing technique.From Family, Faith and Fridays blog

This book has been a great lesson for my 5 year old, mom and dad. It sure has helped us parent to her anxiety and worry along with allowing her to understand what she is feeling. We have learned breathing techniques that we utilize regularly. It's become a regular must read in our house! This book has also opened a lot of conversation about courage. Not just overcoming your worry but also courage in every day situations.

My clients love this book and it really helps us understand "worry" and this book helps us see that we can manage big feelings! A+

This book is a must have for anyone that has children that struggle with worry and anxiety. The author does an amazing job of helping kids relate to Maya and not be afraid of their worries. She uses a wonderful storyline and character to empower the reader when they feel worry and anxiety themselves. My own worrier devoured every page of the book and said she loved reading it and the lessons it teaches. I can't wait to tell others about this amazing book!

I highly recommend this book for children of all ages. It tells a great story about Worry who takes over the mind of a little girl and how she overcomes the fear of worrying. My son is on the Autism Spectrum and will worry about doing something new or out of is normal routine. I loved that the book taught a self soothing technique that any child can use to get rid of the worry.

Absolutely wonderful book. I bought this for my 7 year old who lately with all that’s going on in the world has had a lot of “What ifs” this book is perfect. Also has a breathing exercise for kiddo in the back!

The author and illustrator form a perfect union using thoughtful words and beautiful illustrations to tell the story of how worry can take hold of a person and the mindful steps one can take to push worry out of your life to walk and live free once again!

The book was bound upside down! The pages aren’t centred properly and some words are cut off. I’ll be returning it.

Every parent and teacher need to have his book!

My daughter has anxiety sometimes and this book really helped her focus on her breathing and find her courage!