The Worry-Worry Whale and the Classroom Jitters (A Worry-Worry Whale Adventure)

Garnering her own spin-off series following The Pout-Pout Fish and the Worry-Worry Whale, Willa Whale returns in this picture book to tackle a school-related anxiety. Despite her gently encouraging teacher’s efforts, Willa never raises her fin during class: “The answer might be in me,/ But I always take too long./ And what if they all STARE at me?/ I know I’ll get it WRONG!” At home, Willa’s parents suggest some role-playing to help navigate Willa’s “quivery and sad” feelings. As Willa pretends to be the teacher, she sees Mom take a “deep, calming breath” and ask for a pause, and watches Dad admit he’s stumped by a question. The little whale soon realizes the wisdom of advice that caring adults have been offering: “It isn’t always easy/ To share the things we know,/ But ideas, thoughts, and questions/ Are the way we learn and grow.” Character designs originated by Dan Hanna remain cheery and uplifting in Monés’s hands, while Diesen’s signature rhymes reassure her target audience as well as provide adult readers with effective strategies. Ages 4–8. (May)