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Absolutely No Worries

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Pub Date Nov 04 2025 | Archive Date Oct 21 2025

Astra Publishing House | Astra Young Readers


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Description

With an emergency parachute in her pocket and zombie self-defense skills under her belt, Emma is prepared for any catastrophe . . . so why does she still feel afraid?

This reassuring social-emotional picture book for young readers ages 4 - 8 shows kids that they are bigger than their fears.


Emma needs to make sure she’s prepared for whatever disasters may lie beyond the front door. A ladder to escape from exploding volcanoes? Check. Garlic in case a bloodthirsty vampire is poised to attack? Check. Extra socks for . . . well, just in case? Check!

When Emma is faced with a situation she is not prepared for, she learns the most valuable survival skill of all: to accept that it doesn’t have to be scary when some things are out of her control. Written for kids with big imaginations and everyday jitters, here is a picture book that shows that with a pinch of courage, you can be ready for absolutely anything.
With an emergency parachute in her pocket and zombie self-defense skills under her belt, Emma is prepared for any catastrophe . . . so why does she still feel afraid?

This reassuring social-emotional...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781662620041
PRICE $18.99 (USD)
PAGES 32

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 30 members


Featured Reviews

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Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

A fun book that helps little minds manage big thoughts and new tasks. I enjoyed the list on how to prepare for everything, I found it as helpful for adults as it is for kids.

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Where was this book when I was young! This will be such a handy book for parents when approaching the topic of anxiety with young children, you can be prepared for anything, but sometimes all you need is a deep breath and a little bit of confidence!

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This is such a great book that helps to explain anxiety. Sometimes I feel like children's books like these aren't just for the children, but also for the adults. All of the things that Emma is worried about couldn't possibly happen to her but that is what anxiety does to you! I love that it includes Emma's List of How to Prepare for Anything in the back of the book!

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My 4 and 7 year old thought this was a funny, engaging read. The liked the illustrations and the girls' imagination.

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This is the type of book that a strong feeling kid would benefit from. Although my kids have never spiraled as much as Emma did in this book, I do understand the wanting to prep for every weather condition and if we have enough food for a 20 minute car ride.

I like that Emma was able to eventually get out of the house and was able to get out of her spiral on her own and not from a parent intervening.

The list at the end of the book for how to prepare for anything is a nice touch as kids could easily flip to this page to go over all the steps to feel more in control of the situation.

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"Absolutely No Worries" is a positive and imaginative perspective on children’s anxiety and control, showcasing Emma’s extensive preparations in a humorous and significant manner. It demonstrates how children develop when they realise that life has unexpected moments and that fear does not have to be overwhelming.

This book gently introduces children to the idea that worry is natural, but it doesn’t have to take over. By showing Emma’s journey from fear to acceptance, Absolutely No Worries helps children understand resilience, self-awareness, and the joy of embracing the unknown. It’s especially valuable for sparking conversations about how we deal with fear and uncertainty.

Anne Wilsdorf’s artwork adds a burst of colour and energy to Emma’s wild imagination. The illustrations bring to life her elaborate preparations with charm and warmth. The visual humour balances emotional depth, helping children connect with Emma’s experience while keeping the tone light and inviting.

Its premise and message indicate that it will be an excellent read-aloud for those who have vivid imaginations and occasionally worry about “what ifs”. I highly recommend it, particularly when adults are present to help unravel the emotional rhythm: Emma’s encounter with an unexpected situation ignites the actual lesson.

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This was such a cute story. I loved seeing how Emma tried to prepare for every possible scenario, but in the end realized that going outside wasn't as scary as she thought it would. This is a great way to introduce kids to mindfulness in the face of anxiety.

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Absolutely No Worries is a charming and beautifully illustrated picture book that perfectly captures the whimsical (and sometimes worrisome) imagination of a child. The vibrant, eye-catching artwork immediately draws the reader in and complements the playful storytelling.

The story follows Emma, a young girl with an overactive imagination, who is given the simple task of fetching the mail for her mother. What should be an easy errand quickly spirals into a parade of “what ifs” as Emma’s mind races through all sorts of wild possibilities. Laurel Gale captures the way children can turn everyday moments into grand adventures, full of both worry and wonder.

The book strikes a lovely balance; while acknowledging how overwhelming worries can feel, it also celebrates creativity and resilience. Young readers will see themselves in Emma’s exaggerated but relatable fears, while parents will appreciate the gentle reminder that imagination is not only normal, but something to be celebrated.

This story is sure to delight children and adults alike, making it a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library.


#AbsolutelyNoWorries #LaurelGale #ChildrensBooks #NetGalley

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What a cute book! This book validates the anxious experience by discussing overthinking and providing strategies to self-soothe. Very appropriate for the classroom or counseling center.

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A cute book about a young girl who overthinks all the things that could go wrong on her way to get the mail for her mother. I think kids would enjoy the silliness of this story as well as the illustrations. I would recommend for ages 3-7.

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What a great book about believing in yourself while trying to overcome your fears. Emma needs to get the mail for mom and is afraid. But, no worries. She has a plan, many plans in case she needs help. She is prepared for anything and everything, but she still can’t go outside. Then she hears the kitty meow outside. What does she do? Will she rescue her?
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Cute story and my little one found it comical, laughing as he read it out loud. It also made a great discussion about overcoming fears and acknowledging that every individual's fear can vary in great depths. The illustration was a bit busy, but it did help with the story overall. Would recommend for either personal or classroom library.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book as an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

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Such a fun read for the kiddos! This is a great way to remind them to stay brave. Anything that came Emma’s way she was ready. This book could be used to give kid strength when it comes to worries & more. I really love at the end of the book when you gave instructions on how to prepare for anything just like Emma!

Thank you Netgalley & Laurel for the opportunity to read this Arc!

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A great story for anxious kiddos!! Emma is prepared for anything…if she could ever get through the door. As an anxious parent of an anxious daughter, we both saw ourselves in Emma, and were also able to have a good laugh. Emma’s preparedness list at the end of the book is a super helpful reminder to breathe, believe in ourselves, and that being brave isn’t about not being scared, but doing it anyways.

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This was adorable and such perfect timing for us as a family. Our kiddo has some fears and this book made him laugh and realize how silly some of it all is. The illustrations were gorgeous as well!

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Thank you for the ARC. This book talks about over coming your fears and coping with your anxiety. It was a cute story with great illustrations.

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Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Absolutely No Worries. As someone with severe anxiety, this really hit home. The most realistic part is that what helped her overcome her fears was helping someone else. So much is possible with a good friend by your side.

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This is a sweet, lighthearted story of a girl named Emma who is prepared for absolutely everything — from vampires and volcanoes to sunburns and a sock shortage, she's ready! But when she starts to spiral (what if, what if, what if?!) she finally has to stand tall, be courageous, and take the risk, no matter what may come her way.

An awesome book with adorable illustrations that will instill in kids the ability to face their worries head on. The back page has some really great tips for calming anxieties, as well! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

This book reminds me of Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watts. It is a little bit funny and a lot relatable for kids who have anxious thoughts. I really appreciate the strategies to try that are listed at the end of the book.

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This book is very humorous but it also accurately shows how easy it is to find something to worry about everywhere. Such a wonderful story to share with children so you can talk about their anxiety and how to feel better! The pictures are cute, bright and funny.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity to review a digital copy.

"Absolutely No Worries" is a delightful children's book that tackles the theme of overcoming fears with charm and creativity. The storyline is engaging, offering relatable scenarios that resonate with young readers and encourage them to face their anxieties. What truly stood out for me were the illustrations; they evoke a vibrant early 90s art style reminiscent of classic picture books. The colors are rich, and the main character is depicted with a whimsical flair that adds to the overall warmth of the narrative. This blend of nostalgia and valuable life lessons makes it an enchanting read. I am confident that I will be adding one or more copies of this book to our school library, as it not only entertains but also fosters emotional resilience in children.

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Terrific illustrations. A nice mix of funny and actual worries that could affect a child. I really liked the last page with tips to reduce a child's anxiety. I like when a story entertains but also informs. I can see a teacher using this book as a bridge to get children to open up about their own fears.

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Such a cute book I read this with my child and they really enjoyed it. I especially liked the list in the back of helpful hints for times of stress/worry. We will definitely be adding to our at home library!

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