Waffle

A parent might reach for this book when their young child seems paralyzed by worry, often saying 'What if?' about everyday situations. Waffle is about a little boy who is overwhelmed by anxieties, big and small. From the texture of his toast to the possibility of a big dog, his world is full of fear. When a confident, joyful girl named Puddle moves in next door, her carefree attitude helps Waffle discover his own inner strength and a powerful way to face his fears. The book's gentle, minimalist text and expressive watercolor illustrations make it a soothing read for children ages 4 to 7. It's a wonderful choice for normalizing anxiety and modeling how friendship can help us find our own courage.