ABOUT THE BOOK:
"My stomach feels like it's tied up in a knot.
My knees lock up, and my face feels hot.
You know what I mean?
I'm Wilma Jean,
The Worry Machine."
Anxiety is a subjective sense of worry, apprehension, and/or fear. It is considered to be the number one health problem in America. Although quite common, anxiety disorders in children are often misdiagnosed and overlooked. Everyone feels fear, worry and apprehension from time to time, but when these feelings prevent a person from doing what he/she wants and/or needs to do, anxiety becomes a disability.
This fun and humorous book addresses the problem of anxiety in a way that relates to children of all ages. It offers creative strategies for parents and teachers to use that can lessen the severity of anxiety. The goal of the book is to give children the tools needed to feel more in control of their anxiety. For those worries that are not in anyone's control (i.e. the weather) a worry hat is introduced. A fun read for Wilmas of all ages!
Includes a note to parents and educators with tips on dealing with an anxious child.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julia Cook, M.S. is a national award-winning children's author, counselor, and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools nationally and internationally, regularly speaks at education and counseling conferences, and has published childrens books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook's work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the "what to say" and the "how to say it."
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
Kids who have ever experienced any kind of anxiety will relate to this book! Julia's clever and humorous style along with her simple and apt antidotes make this book a must for young people with worries or fears.
Kim "Tip" Frank, Child Therapist and Author of The Handbook for Helping Kids with Anxiety and Stress
Author Julia Cook, has an incredible gift of writing books for children! Her books teach important life skills, and are written through the child's view of the world. As an Elementary School Counselor I have incorporated many of Julia's books into my curriculum and must say Wilma Jean has been a hit with all my students K-5, parents, and staff!!! It's a FUN interactive book that teaches and gives children tools to handle their worries!
Children will quickly learn through Wilma Jean that the only thing they can't control is weather, for all of their other worries there is usually a solution.
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine should certainly find it's way onto your bookshelf if you're a Parent, School Counselor, Teacher, Social Worker, Psychologist, and/or Pediatrician.
Anonymous, School Counselor
My daughter had to see a professional therapist for separation anxiety. She is 6 years old. Her therapist read her this book on her first session. I looked on Amazon and bought it after. My daughter loves this book and I think that it could help any child with any kind of separation anxiety. Her class has a "parent read to the class" every Friday. I read this to her class and I could tell they all loved it and were 100% interested. Great book.
Sara
