THE EVERYBODY GETS ANXIOUS ACTIVITY BOOK

We all experience anxiety at some point or another; this book offers tools to help.

This interactive workbook, geared toward creative kids who are nervous or overwhelmed, encourages readers to learn new strategies for self-soothing and build self-awareness through drawing and writing. Reid and Williams begin with an introduction that explains, in kid-friendly terms, what anxiety is; they compare anxiety to a smoke alarm—helpful when there’s real danger but disruptive when it goes off constantly. A two-page spread of comics-style illustrations provides an evolutionary perspective on anxiety and its physical symptoms. The book often uses humor to spur serious reflection. For example, one double-page spread of spot art showing amusing “things that are seriously unlikely to happen” poses the question “What else is literally never going to happen, but sometimes worries you anyway?” Readers can work their way through art prompts—like drawing the design on a cape to wear while defeating a “worry dragon”—in addition to quizzes, gratitude exercises, and other engaging activities as they learn mindfulness and other coping techniques. Sections like “The Anxiety Toolbox” and “How To: Calm Down When You’re Freaking Out” offer tangible suggestions and simple practices to try. Digital doodlelike illustrations enliven the browsable presentation. Human characters are depicted with a variety of skin tones ranging from light peach to dark brown.

An engaging resource that will help kids navigate anxiety with imagination.