Books Like Wilma Jean the Worry Machine
Families who loved Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts expressing physical symptoms of stress, such as a racing heart or a knotted stomach, or when 'what-if' questions begin to dominate their daily routine. It is an essential tool for children who struggle with generalized anxiety and the feeling that their worries are uncontrollable 'monsters' living inside them. The story follows Wilma Jean, a young girl whose anxiety manifests in relatable ways: sweaty palms, a fluttering heart, and a mind that constantly jumps to the worst-case scenario. Through the help of a supportive teacher, Wilma Jean learns to categorize her worries into things she can control and things she cannot. This secular, skills-based approach is perfect for children aged 5 to 10. It moves beyond simple validation, offering a concrete strategy (the Worry Hat) to help families manage big feelings with humor and practical action.
