About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling the weight of a big milestone, like a birthday or a new school year, and seems more anxious than excited. It is a gentle, humorous collection of three stories that normalizes the 'jitters' often associated with growing up. Through the eyes of Waylon the elephant, who is nervous about his 249th birthday, children see that it is okay to feel overwhelmed by expectations. The book uses absurd humor and animal friendship to tackle themes of social anxiety, the need for personal space, and the power of supportive friends. It is perfectly pitched for early elementary students (ages 6 to 9) who are transitioning into chapter books. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's internal worries while ultimately leading them toward a place of joy and connection through the help of a kind community.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book handles social anxiety and the fear of aging/growing up metaphorically through Waylon. It is entirely secular and grounded in animal fantasy. The resolutions are hopeful and emphasize that while worries are real, they can be managed with the help of a support system.
