The Worry Jar

*Recommended by the BookTrust - March 2023*
"Wonderful illustrations partner the text and together they help the reader to see the enormity of Frida's feelings. The colourful energy of the pictures also express the joy that life can bring when worries are overcome… This book would be a good addition to any reading for pleasure collection. It could be used within circle time and PSHE to discuss the different ways to manage times of worry, but also how to be courageous when you feel so like the world starts to feel overwhelming." * Rebecca Simpson-Hargreaves, Just Imagine *
"I love this book!" * Craig Barr-Green, Author of A Christmas in Cornwall *
"Managing worries is hard for everyone but it can seem like a mountain to climb for little ones so help build their confidence and teach them a simple but effective coping method with this heartwarming and uplifting story. With John's cleverly created and gentle story, and Bloomfield's beautifully observed illustrations bringing Frida's feelings and experiences vividly to life, this is a must-have book for school, nursery, and home." * Pam Norfolk, The Lancashire Post *
"Frida feels so weighed down by her worries that when she's at the swimming pool, she's afraid she might sink. Her grandmother teaches her to put pebbles in a jar, one for every worry, in order to contain them. This picture book presents a salutary coping technique for the anxiety-prone." * The Financial Times *
"A beautifully illustrated, uplifting story about a little girl who learns how to cope with her big worries." * Naomi Jones, bestselling author of The Perfect Fit and One More Try *
"This is a picture book for anyone who worries, or who might. It is about Frida, who frets about everything and collects pebbles that represent her anxieties. Her funny, kind, jam-making grandmother gives her a big jar to put the pebbles in and keep the worries contained. It has a very happy resolution in which Frida finds freedom and courage. The story is helpful and touching, and expressed with clarity and succinctness, but the images - of the classroom, the park, the swimming pool, the garden and the road to school - make this special: charming, well observed and simply expressive, as well as beautifully composed and textured. The colours, though varied - notably turquoise, orange and pink - are muted, and although the book has joyous moments, the overall effect is calming." * Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times *
"With John's cleverly created and gentle story, and Bloomfield's beautifully observed illustrations bringing Frida's feelings and experiences vividly to life, this is a must-have book for school, nursery and home." * Pam Norfolk, Lancashire Post *
"This is a wonderfully heart-warming story designed to gently support children (and adults!) and help them to understand that everyone has worries. The illustrations are stunning, perfectly portraying the emotions of Frida throughout. It would be a brilliant book to read with any children that are anxious or upset about starting or returning to school in September or for any child who feels worried about anything." * Mini Travellers *
"A lovely book for Grannies to read to their very own grandchildren with big worries...The illustrations are full of soft, chalky colours and match the gentle text beautifully. 4 stars." * Books for Keeps *
"This sweet and sensitive story, exploring the worries that little ones can have, is a sympathetic exploration of feelings." * BookTrust *
"This sensitively written picture book explores how a young girl learns to manage her worries. Jenny Bloomfield's beautifully observed illustrations bring Frida's feelings and experiences vividly to life." * Books for Topics *