It Will Be OK: A story of empathy, kindness, and friendship

by Lisa Katzenberger, Jaclyn Sinquett (Illustrator)

Overview

A sweet, simple picture book about how to help a worried friend. Discover the power of listening and gain insight into dealing with anxiety and having empathy. Perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened and Be Kind.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for our loved ones is to be present for as long as they need us.

Giraffe and Zebra meet every day under their favorite tree to walk to the watering hole. But today, Giraffe isn't there! Where could he be? Zebra spots him hiding in the tree; Giraffe has seen a spider and is scared silly. Zebra patiently talks to Giraffe and does the very best thing: supports Giraffe for as long as Giraffe needs it.

It Will Be OK is perfect for:

• Preschool classrooms and teachers looking for books on feelings, social emotional learning, mindfulness and social skills
• School counselors and children's therapists looking for bibliotherapy books for children
• Parents looking for books on kindness, facing fears, teaching empathy, anxiety, and listening
• Anyone who wants a beautifully illustrated story on the power of friendship

Includes educational backmatter with suggestions on what to do when you are worried or anxious, how to help a worried friend, and the definition of empathy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728222554
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	02/02/2021
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	104,865
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Lisa Katzenberger has been writing stories since she was a child. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two children. Visit her online at www.lisakatzenberger.com.

Editorial Reviews

"A great read aloud to discuss friendship and being there for them to support them when they are afraid and need us." — Youth Services Book Review

"Sinquett’s brightly hued cartoons delightfully express the characters’ emotions and personalities...[a] sweet tale of kindness." — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2020-11-27
Every day best friends Zebra and Giraffe go to the watering hole together.

But today Giraffe has climbed a tree, hanging on precariously, all because he has seen a terrifying spider. Will it “crawl up [his] hoof”? Will it chase him? Zebra reminds him how strong and fast he is compared to a tiny spider, but Giraffe is adamant about remaining in arboreal safety. Zebra knows that Giraffe’s fears are unwarranted—and perhaps even silly—but understands that they are very real and upsetting. So Zebra just hangs around, allowing his quiet presence to comfort Giraffe. When there is no further sign of the dreaded spider, Giraffe nervously descends, offering heartfelt gratitude to his friend for staying with him. When Giraffe spots the spider again, with Zebra at his side he bravely speaks to the little creature, who immediately runs up the tree recently vacated by Giraffe. Giraffe understands and, with Zebra, resolutely waits beneath. Katzenberger tells the tale simply and directly, emphasizing the friends’ kindness and patience and (just barely) refraining from preaching. Sinquett’s brightly hued cartoons delightfully express the characters’ emotions and personalities, lightening the message of the text without diminishing it. The subtitle is unnecessary, as is the cloying aftermatter, indicating a lack of trust in the young readers who will easily grasp that message, especially with a grown-up to guide them.

Read the sweet tale of kindness; skip the unnecessary addenda. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews