Silly Billy
on Goodreads (685)
What’s inside...
Billy is a bit of a worrier. He worries about hats and shoes. Most of all he worries about staying at other people's houses. His mum and dad try to help, but still Billy worries, until a visit to his grandma's shows him how to overcome his fears with the aid of his imagination - and some tiny worry dolls. A funny, sympathetic antidote to worry from a Hans Christian Andersen Medalist.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Billy
Grandma
Discussion points
Why do you think Billy felt worried about his worries? Can you think of a time you felt the same?
How do the worry dolls help Billy? Have you ever found something that helps you when you're worried?
What changes do you notice in Billy’s behavior from the beginning to the end of the story?
How do Billy's family members react to his worries? Why is it important to have someone to talk to?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle tone to invite your child to open up about their own feelings and worries. Express empathy and understanding as they share, making connections to Billy’s experiences in the story. Encourage them to think creatively about ways they can manage their own worries, perhaps by drawing inspiration from the worry dolls in the book. Reinforce the idea that everyone has worries and that it's perfectly normal and okay to talk about them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with worries
Explanation: In 'Silly Billy', Billy learns to deal with his anxieties by using worry dolls given to him by his grandmother. This technique helps him manage his fears and sleep peacefully.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle their own worries by finding or creating physical objects, like worry dolls, to confide in and help reduce their anxiety.
Example Lesson: The value of communication
Explanation: Throughout the story, Billy learns the importance of expressing his feelings to his family, which helps him feel understood and supported.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to openly discuss their fears and concerns can strengthen family bonds and promote emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: Billy gets creative by making worry dolls for other people in his life. This act not only helps him but also his loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their creativity to solve problems and help others, boosting their confidence and empathy.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: By making dolls for others, Billy shows he understands that everyone has worries. It teaches empathy and awareness of others' emotions.
Real-World Application: This story can prompt children to consider the feelings of others and look for ways to help those around them manage their own worries.