For the child who carries a heavy load of 'what ifs', this heartwarming tale introduces Wally, a worrier who discovers even the scariest among us have fears.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is overwhelmed by a constant stream of 'what if' questions and seems to carry the weight of the world. Wally, the Worry-warthog is a gentle story about a little warthog who worries about everything, from his tusks being too pointy to the possibility of tripping over his own feet. When he meets the supposedly terrifying Wilberforce, he discovers that even the biggest and scariest-looking creatures have their own secret fears. For children ages 4 to 8, this book is a comforting balm. It uses humor and endearing animal characters to normalize anxiety without being clinical or preachy. It's a perfect choice for showing a child that they are not alone in their feelings and that sharing our worries can be the first step toward friendship and feeling understood.
The main character imagines many 'what if' scenarios that involve minor, non-graphic peril.
Sensitive Topics
The book's central theme is childhood anxiety. The approach is metaphorical, using personified animals to explore the internal experience of worry in a non-threatening way. It is a secular story. The resolution is hopeful and focuses on connection: Wally's anxiety isn't magically cured, but it becomes manageable and less isolating through friendship.
Ideal Reader
This book is ideal for a 4 to 7-year-old child who struggles with generalized anxiety, social fears, or frequent 'what if' thinking. It's for the cautious child who is hesitant to try new things or the one who feels different because of their big, persistent worries.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. A parent might want to preview the initial illustration of Wilberforce, who is drawn to look large and a bit scary, but the narrative immediately softens him. The overall tone is very gentle. A parent has noticed their child verbalizing a lot of fears, avoiding new situations, or seeming burdened by anxieties that feel disproportionate. The parent is looking for a gentle story to open a conversation and validate their child's feelings, showing them they aren't the only one who feels this way.
Age Experience
A younger child (4-5) will connect with the literal story: Wally worries a lot, he meets a friend who also worries, and now he feels better. They'll appreciate the humor in his relatable fears. An older child (6-8) can grasp the more nuanced theme of empathy and how appearances can be deceiving. They will understand the concept that even people who seem tough or scary on the outside can have worries on the inside.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books about fear that focus on an individual's journey to becoming brave, this book's unique power is in normalizing and sharing anxiety. The resolution is not that Wally stops worrying, but that he finds a friend who understands. This focus on connection and mutual vulnerability as a coping mechanism, rather than the elimination of fear, is what makes this story a standout classic.
Read plot summary
Wally is a young warthog who is paralyzed by his many worries, from his physical appearance to potential accidents, which prevents him from playing with others. The other animals warn him about the big, mean Wilberforce. When Wally finally stumbles upon Wilberforce, he discovers that the intimidating warthog is also full of anxieties. They bond over their shared worries and become friends, finding comfort in their mutual understanding.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Wally worries about his big ears and pointy tusks. What are some things Wally and Wilberforce worried about that were parts of who they are?
2
Before they met, everyone thought Wilberforce was big and mean. What did Wally learn about him once they started talking? Why do you think everyone was wrong about him?
3
At the end of the book, Wally and Wilberforce are friends. How does having a friend who understands your worries help you feel better?
4
Wally had a long list of worries. Which of his worries sounded the most silly to you? Which one sounded like something you might worry about, too?
