Author & Illustrators
‘Everybody Worries’ teaches that regardless of being ‘the coolest of the cool’ or the ‘bravest of the brave’, everyone will worry about something. Brimming with playfulness and good humour, this short picture book explores different scenarios which people may find daunting or upsetting.
With easy-to-read rhyming couplets and repetition, the story welcomes a rhythmical read-aloud to be enjoyed by all. The important message within the words of this book is further enhanced with the iconic and joyful illustrations of Jon Burgerman himself. Children could spend valuable time on each page exploring the subtle humour within the drawings, such as noticing a hidden bear in a shirt pocket or finding a curled-up cat enjoying a tea break. Equally, the characters who worry offer their own quirky features, while also celebrating diversity and inclusion.
In addition to giving examples of worries a child may have, the book also offers valuable advice on how a child may alleviate these concerns, such as drawing the worries or giving them a name. It nods towards mindfulness and breathing techniques, as well as how we can keep ourselves healthy. My favourite element of the book is how it highlights reaching out to others and that ‘we can overcome anything when we’re there for each other’. I would highly recommend this to younger children or children with social and emotional needs. Burgerman has a real talent for creating an important message in a playful way, without being patronising. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing this with my 2 little boys; a must for every Key Stage 1 bookshelf!
This is a fun introduction to the words used to identify and describe different feelings. Doodle-style cartoon creatures exemplify each feeling with personal examples – one creature relates feeling joyful to playing outside, while another feels sad when they are all alone and another still links the feeling of anger to wanting to shout.
The simple connections made between feelings and both positive and negative experiences can serve as a starting point for discussions with children about the words they use to describe their emotions as well as different times and places they have felt those emotions. The illustrations are bright and fun, and the rhyming text is simple enough that children will begin to memorise it after two or three story sittings.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments