Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

This interesting workbook is one of two "What to Do" guides to help children recognize feelings of anxiety and practice new ways of handling their worries. Designed to be used with an adult—a parent, preferably—it begins by explaining to adults that worry is a pattern of behavior that can be changed through practice and that they can help facilitate that change by helping their child identify ways of coping with stress. The book's 12 short chapters are interactive and progress from defining worry and anxious behavior to recognizing it in oneself to offering alternatives. Illustrated with cartoon-like drawings, the book offers plenty of exercises to engage the child and uses an understanding tone that is all positive reinforcement. The suggestions and exercises are ones that can be revisited as needed. For more serious issues, the author suggests that the book be used in conjunction with professional counseling. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D.