The Worry Balloon by Mancillas

A sweet picture book about a child experiencing and overcoming anxiety on the first day of school.

When Isla was little, every day was sunny with blue skies and rainbows. When something bad happened, kisses and tickles made everything better. But these days, things are different. Isla’s mind has learned to worry.

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. Then Mami encourages her to imagine the good, and Isla remembers there’s nothing she can’t handle.

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

In The Worry Balloon, Mónica Mancillas’ thoughtful text and Betty C. Tang’s charming illustrations show readers what it’s like to experience anxiety and worry, and includes backmatter with different tools for readers to practice mindfulness and strengthen their mental health.