Enter Ruby's personal journey, where she discovers something that is entirely new to her - an unannounced feeling altogether! This children's picture book by Tom Percival is all about experiencing that unsettling feeling of anxiety that overcomes happiness and joy, and leaves you feeling fearful and tense. Young children can easily relate to the story and it is perfect for reassuring their young and growing minds that it is normal for everyone to feel that way.
The story introduces us to Ruby, who is a happy, curious, fun-loving, and imaginative girl. Until, one fine day her curiosity leads her to a place where she discovers something unexpected: a worry. Since this is something new, she does not know how to react. The worry is depicted as a yellow blob with a frown-y unibrow that hovers around her wherever she goes. Initially, it is very small and rather unnoticeable but as days progress and the more Ruby thinks about it, the bigger it grows until it overshadows a considerable amount of space around her and begins to haunt her!
The story takes a turn, when Ruby notices another “blue blob” hovering over a boy's head who is sitting quietly by himself at a bench in a park. Noting the similarity, they become friends. In those stifling moments she discovers that other people also have worries, and that it is not something unusual. Not only that, it is possible to get rid of those pesky feelings by sharing them with others.
This book is an amazing resource targeted for children aged 3-7 years, who are still learning to deal with a range of feelings and emotions. What I personally relished was that the poignant story was the perfect springboard for talking to young children about emotions, specifically concerning anxiety.
This book is a part of Percival’s Big Bright Feelings picture book series, which provides child-friendly entry points into topics related to emotional intelligence - from being true to yourself, to dealing with worries, managing anger, and making friends. These topics can be particularly difficult to address from a child's perspective, and these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings.
You may choose to read all the books in the Percival’s Big Bright Feelings series!
Perfectly Norman
Ravi's Roar
Meesha Makes Friends
Tilda Tries Again
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