About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling paralyzed by the 'what-ifs' or when a simple outing feels overwhelming due to their anxiety. It provides a gentle, humorous framework for discussing the internal tug-of-war between caution and optimism. The story follows Raccoon, who is so convinced that a picnic will be ruined by bees, dragons, or mudslides that he almost misses out on the fun entirely. It is a perfect choice for preschoolers and early elementary students (ages 3 to 7) because it validates a child's fears without dismissing them, while modeling how a supportive friend can help reframe scary thoughts into exciting possibilities. Parents will appreciate the way it normalizes catastrophizing and provides a soft landing for big worries.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with generalized anxiety and catastrophizing. The approach is metaphorical, using silly scenarios like dragon attacks to represent the weight of real-world worries. It is secular and the resolution is hopeful and empowering.
