YOU'VE GOT THIS!

Don’t worry! You’ve got everything under control.

This appropriately titled manifesto reassures uncertain youngsters that they can persevere through challenges big and small. Being a kid can be stressful, but the little ones depicted here muster up the strength to keep going, whether they’re learning to ride a bike, gathering the courage to walk onstage for a school play, or swallowing down anxiety while taking a test. The familiar childhood scenarios are great conversation starters to discuss coping skills with kids. Written in terse, rhyming prose, the book captures the physical sensations that accompany trying new things (“Palms sweat. Tongue ties.” “Cheeks burn. Lips frown”) while also offering tangible things children can do to ease tension, such as counting to three before diving into a pool, holding the hand of a trusted adult when getting a shot at the doctor’s office, or humming a tune as an airplane gets ready to take off. Morris’ energetic, vibrant artwork, created with tissue paper collaged in Photoshop, captures the youngsters’ worried expressions as well as triumphant moments. Characters are mostly Black and brown and diverse in terms of ability.

A fun and gentle reminder that little ones can handle big things.