The Worries: Leo Says Goodbye
The Worries Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In this touching story, Leo navigates the challenges of saying goodbye to his old home and friends as his family moves to a new city. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about change, resilience, and starting anew. Leo has always been a very happy little boy. But when his beloved Nana dies, he feels very sad and worried. Worried about what might happen to him or his parents, and worried that he might forget Nana. His parents tell him that his feelings are normal, but they don't feel normal to Leo. The last thing he thinks he needs is a bunch of fretful furry monsters causing chaos - it's the Worries! But sometimes, Worries are good. They show us that our feelings might be sad and strange, but by paying attention to them, they can help us heal.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Leo felt when he had to say goodbye? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What are some ways that Leo could cope with his worries about saying goodbye?
Who are the supportive people in Leo’s life that help him manage his worries? How do people in your life help you?
What did Leo learn by the end of the book? Have you ever learned something similar from your experiences?
If you were Leo's friend, what would you have said or done to make him feel better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child's feelings by sharing personal experiences of dealing with goodbyes or changes.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book through drawing or storytelling.
Emphasize the importance of discussing worries and fears openly. Reinforce that it's okay to have and talk about difficult emotions.
Facilitate connections between the character’s experiences and your child’s by recalling similar situations they have encountered and discuss how they coped.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing that it enhances their understanding and emotional growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Handling Emotions
Explanation: Leo, the main character, navigates through his feelings of sadness and worry as he says goodbye to a dear friend, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging and expressing emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their feelings in healthy ways, understanding that it's okay to feel sad or worried at times and to talk about these feelings with trusted individuals.
Example Lesson: Adapting to Change
Explanation: As Leo deals with his friend moving away, the narrative showcases how change is a part of life and stresses the importance of adapting to new situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be resilient in the face of life’s inevitable changes, such as transitioning to a new school, or adjusting to a new family dynamic.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendships
Explanation: In the story, Leo learns to cherish the memories with his friend and finds ways to maintain their friendship despite the distance, highlighting the enduring value of friendships.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to maintain connections and cherish friendships, understanding that physical distance doesn’t have to end a friendship.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Leo comes up with creative ways to stay in touch with his friend, exemplifying problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative solutions to their challenges, like using letters or digital tools to stay connected with friends who are far away.
Example Lesson: Embracing Positive Memories
Explanation: The story encourages children to focus on positive memories to overcome sadness, teaching them coping mechanisms for difficult emotions.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to remember the good times during periods of sadness and use those memories to find comfort and happiness.