Wilma Jean the Worry Machine

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.