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Member Reviews

Awesome book! The main thing that this book achieved effortlessly was widdling anxiety down and making it a less intimidating emotion. The author did this by making Destiny's story highly relatable and comprehensive. Different techniques and steps were clearly written out and explained, perfectly equipping young readers with the tools they need to get through their anxious moments, big or small. Major kudos to the author for choosing such a common source of anxiety; it really sets up a great foundation. I also deeply appreciated that the author went into a "backup plan" in case paced breathing doesn't work, because sometimes it just doesn't cut it! Lastly, the illustrations were done very well, and the level of detail was impeccable. Bravo!

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As an adult with anxiety I learned a lot from this book. It will also be helpful for my niece who is anxious as well. Well written, interesting story but also so informative!!

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Very well done children’s book that helps identity what anxiety is, what the symptoms are, and ways to cope with them. Highly recommended for any kiddo that shows signs of having anxiety and even for kids who don’t so they have tools to identify if it comes up in the future.

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A very relatable book about anxiety with simple, easy-to-understand and follow-through text and beautiful illustrations that visually aid the story. After the story, there are also guides for adults about kids experiencing anxiety! I learned a lot from this book and will be using the tools given to try to help with my anxiety.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This book gave realistic scenarios about what a kid might experience when their anxiety is overwhelming them. I liked the family’s involvement and the practical solutions provided.

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This is a story about Destiny, who suffers anxiety over a lot of things. Her dad and mom teaches her about it and how to handle it.

This is a nice book where you can learn a thing about what happens inside the brain whenever you're anxious. It also teaches us that it is normal to feel that way and that we should face and handle it.

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I really like this book. The way it interprets anxiety as a type of alarm. The way it describes how others deal with their anxiety. I also really appreciated the illustrations and how they help to convey the story.

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At a glance, this looks like a kid's book. but I feel like the story and contents are for older adolescents -- this makes the picture book format feel like it doesn't fit.

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This book is a great resource for young (late elementary-young middle school) children who are struggling with anxiety. Mental health issues are becoming more common today and having a resource like that that not only helps kids identify what anxiety is, but specific examples of thoughts it may present as, is a great tool for them to have. It’s also great how the author gave examples of easy coping mechanisms for individuals to try. I would absolutely read this to my son when he gets older.

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I appreciate the topic and the details of how to manage anxiety and also when that doesn’t work. I do think maybe it would help to have the anxiety reducing activities summarized at the end of the book. Also, maybe having a better explanation at the start of the book about the metaphorical books she carries around would help. Some of the word choice seems to not fit in with the flow of the rest of the speech. I like the illustrations quite a bit. I didn’t like how abrupt the ending was.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this book.

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This book is a great tool for grown-ups to share with their kids. It compares anxiety to a heavy book that one carries around and explains some helpful tools to use when anxiety makes it difficult to complete tasks. There is also a helpful "Tips for Caring Adults" section at the back of the book.

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This was a wonderful and educational read for children to help guide them through anxiety. Even as an adult I found the tips for help managing anxiety to be quite useful. I recommend this to anyone and everyone who experiences anxiety, or knows someone else who experiences anxiety.

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This is a great book for learning exactly what anxiety is, what part of the brain causes it, and strategies to work through anxiety when you experience it. The discussion on a higher level was appreciated as it approached anxiety in a more serious manner than other children’s book without being too informational. The added perspectives of both parents help to tell the story of different mental health experiences and how they may outwardly present.

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Hello, Anxiety is a super valuable book that breaks down what is anxiety, why it happens, and potential coping strategies. This book aids in destigmatizes mental health and offers resources for both the child and parent. This is an absolute must read.

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A great guide for parents and children in how to handle anxiety. Even if the situation isn't the same, offering longer breathing techniques, comfort items, etc gives opportunity to discuss why the anxiety is so high. Sometimes we need to dig a little deeper to help children find their confidence in battling chronic anxiety. The illustrations work for slightly younger kids.

Thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Sinarksi, and National Center of Youth Issues for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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"Hello, Anxiety" is exactly the kind of book I want to buy for the littles in my life. I love the specific science based information (I mean it even brings up the amygdala to the FMC) and adore that we are getting kiddos equipped with this knowledge. The bookmarks her dad gave her were a great way to highlight points throughout and the poem from grandma on the first one is something I may even chant to myself as an adult. I wasn't in love with the art style but it was effective and well done.

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This book did a decent job of relaying that anxiety is something that lots of people face, broke it down into parts, and gave techniques to help tackle anxiety. While I think it was relatable and decently done I did find that the juxtaposition of the book report assignment causing anxiety and the extended metaphor of anxiety being a big book we carry around got a little crossed at times with my own children and I had to explain more.

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I thought this was a great book with some practical tips. As an anxious mother of an anxious child, I found parts very relatable, and some of Destiny’s words echoed things my daughter has said almost exactly. I believe we can take the tips from this book and adapt them to our own needs. While I’m not sure how much my kids would enjoy reading it, I know they would definitely benefit from it.

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Such a cute book. My son enjoyed it and I think it has a nice representation. I think children will enjoy this book very much. Thank you for sharing with us!

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When Destiny's class is assigned book reports, her usual anxiety kicks even further into overdrive. She just can't concentrate to get started, there's too much fear swirling around in her brain! Little does she know that her Dad has been in her shoes, and has a few helpful tricks up his sleeve. With the help of calming breaths, a mantra bookmark, and her Mom's 'courage bracelet', Destiny is able to bring her own courage out of hiding and face her fears.

Oh boy, was I a Destiny at her age and a Destiny now! But I imagine this book would've truly helped me as an over-anxious child, and I have no doubt it'll help the kiddos who read it now. It's a realistic look at just how terrifying and overwhelming anxiety can be, with a loving and encouraging look at how it can be tackled.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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