The Big Worry Day

by K.A. Reynolds, Chloe Dominique (Illustrator)

Overview

A girl and her dog find ways to deal with her anxiety in this beautiful debut picture book

A little girl is convinced that her dog worries, just like her. With a whole day ahead of them, she'll need to figure out how to soothe them both. She prepares snacks, first aid, and even a sword in case there are any monsters. But when nothing works to ease their worries, she’ll need to get creative.

Written by K.A. Reynolds, who includes helpful ways to ease anxiety, and beautifully illustrated Chloe Dominique, this sweet and necessary story is a warm hug for any child who’s ever felt anxious or nervous.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593465639
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	08/23/2022
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,119,774
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD580L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

K. A. Reynolds is an autistic only child born and raised in Winnipeg Canada, currently residing in Maine. She began writing at eight years old, not long after her mother died. Words came to her then like friends holding lanterns up in the dark. And suddenly, the world grew a bit brighter, and Kristin didn’t feel so alone.

Chloe Dominique is a freelance illustrator and concept artist based in the UK, working across animation, video games and children's publishing. Originally from Yorkshire and now living in Norwich with a VFX wizard and their dog of mischief, Loki, you'll find her with a cup of tea in hand, illustrating her socks off in a plant-and-book-filled home studio.

Editorial Reviews

2022-05-11
A child expresses and mitigates their anxieties through their dog.

A light-skinned child narrator informs readers, “I have a dog named Bea. She worries. Like me.” Even though the only thing they have planned this weekend is going outside to play, the narrator states that Bea is worried about what might happen. While the text has the narrator heavily preparing in order to quell “Bea’s” apprehension, the illustrations—depicting the protagonist’s worried expressions and Bea’s joyful, rambunctious body language—make it clear what’s really going on. The narrator proposes bringing supplies (a sweater, a compass and a map, and more); when that does not allay their fears, the child and pup turn to self-regulating exercises including breathing exercises, yoga, and group therapy with stuffed toys. Finally, the gentle urging of the narrator’s furry friend quiets their worries, providing a sense of safety to help face the day outdoors. Soft, muted illustrations pair well with the text to create a slow pace and tranquil atmosphere of mindfulness and comfort. The lack of adults in the narration gives space and opportunity for self-guided regulation mechanisms and acknowledges the power of companionship in helping to grapple with those fears. However, readers with similar issues will get the most out of this story if it’s shared with a trusted adult. In an author’s note, Reynolds discusses how she experienced anxiety from a very young age. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An exercise in self-awareness in the face of debilitating anxiety. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews