I Have Squirrels in my Belly: A Child's View of Anxiety

Reach for this book when your child starts describing a funny feeling in their tummy before school, a birthday party, or a doctor visit. It is designed for children who experience the physical restlessness of anxiety but do not yet have the vocabulary to name it. By using the metaphor of squirrels in the belly, the story provides a concrete image for the jitters and racing heart that often accompany worry. The book follows a young protagonist who learns to recognize these squirrels and, more importantly, how to calm them down. It emphasizes that while the squirrels can be loud and busy, they are a normal part of life. Parents of children aged 3 to 8 will find this a helpful tool for externalizing anxiety, making a scary internal sensation feel manageable and even a little bit silly. It is an excellent choice for normalizing emotional fluctuations and building a toolkit for self-regulation.