Jack's Worry

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major first, such as a music recital, a sports game, or the first day of school, and is struggling to articulate the knots in their stomach. It provides a gentle, visual language for the physical sensation of anxiety, helping children identify that heavy feeling before it becomes overwhelming. The story follows Jack, a young trumpet player whose excitement for a concert is eclipsed by a literal blue cloud that follows him everywhere. As the Worry grows from a small speck to a giant blob, the book explores how internal fears can feel like a physical presence. It is an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students because it validates their nerves while offering a practical, communication-based solution: the idea that sharing a worry makes it smaller.