The Worry Balloon

A thoughtful and reassuring picture book about how one child experiences anxiety, and what kids can do to manage their worries. Perfect for social-emotional learning and Back to School reading, The Worry Balloon includes a guide for kids to build their own worry tool bag that children and caregivers alike can use when faced with anxiety and change.

On the first day of school, Isla's mind plays the what if game. Scary thoughts come, the world goes dark, and everything feels stormy.

With Mami at her side, Isla takes a deep breath and blows her worries away in a big balloon. But as school gets closer, Isla's worries come back like a tornado. Mami encourages her to imagine something happy, and Isla remembers there's nothing she can't handle.

The storm might come again, but for now, her mind is quiet.

Author: Monica Mancillas
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: 07/11/2023
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 10.90h x 9.20w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9781250852939
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2023
Publishers Weekly 06/26/2023

About the Author

MÓNICA MANCILLAS writes books for children and adults, including Mariana and Her Familia and How to Speak in Spanglish. She received her BA in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley before pursuing a decade-long career in the recording industry. Her picture book The Worry Balloon is inspired by the challenges she and those she loves sometimes face managing anxiety, and the tools, great and small, that have helped them walk through each of those challenges.

BETTY C. TANG is the New York Times-bestselling illustrator of the Jacky Ha-Ha graphic novel series. Her debut graphic novel Parachute Kids is a 2023 National Book Award longlist. She earned her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts, and after a successful animation career, she is now passionate about creating books for children. Betty loves squirrels and hates roaches. Born in Taiwan, she currently lives in Los Angeles.