Yohann Devezy and Katharine Alice (text), Zoe Bennett (illustrator), Don’t Worry, Felix, New Frontier Publishing, October 2024, 32 pp., RRP $26.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781923145054
The challenges of starting school for young children can often feel immense. The stress of making new friends, speaking up or simply experiencing things for the first time can sometimes seem insurmountable. Yohann Devezy and Katharine Alice thoughtfully delve into the topic of anxiety in Don’t worry, Felix.
Felix is getting ready for his first day at his new school. His excitement is soon replaced with a myriad of feelings that he does not recognise. Manifesting itself into a visual obstacle in the form of a red balloon, Felix struggles through his day unsure of how to process his feelings. He eventually decides to share his feelings with his dad who helps him navigate his big feelings with a special trick.
The inclusion of practical strategies to help children cope when feeling anxious makes this book particularly unique. Zoe Bennett’s illustrations are thoughtfully crafted and inclusive, effectively using the balloon as a powerful metaphor for anxiety. Yohan and Alice keep the text simple yet meaningful, embracing all the anxious feelings that can come from situations like starting a new school, playing with or making new friends, or having to speak up in public.
Themes such as emotional wellbeing, resilience, courage, and relationships are explored with a set of teacher’s notes on the publisher’s website including some fantastic activities on how to support children and talk about anxiety.
Don’t worry, Felix is a fantastic resource and is highly recommended as a text to help anyone feel seen and supported in a world that can seem awfully big.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
