The Worry Warthog

Reach for this book when your child is caught in a cycle of what-ifs or feels paralyzed by the fear of things going wrong before they even begin. This gentle story follows a little warthog who anticipates disaster at every turn, from meeting new neighbors to trying new food. It validates the physical and mental experience of anxiety while providing a sweet, low-pressure model for how to shift focus from what could go wrong to what might go right. Appropriate for preschoolers and early elementary students, the book uses animal characters to create a safe distance from scary feelings, making it a perfect tool for opening conversations about nerves and self-esteem. Parents will appreciate the relatable scenarios that mirror common childhood stressors like social rejection or trying something unfamiliar.