The Worries: Shara and the Really Big Sleepover
#1 in The Worries Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Shara takes her role as a big sister very seriously. When her mum goes on holiday, Shara starts worrying about various aspects of her life, including her mum, her little brother Keita, school, and staying with her granddad for the first time. Just before her mum leaves, a set of funny, furry friends called The Worries arrive to assist. However, a new and grown-up worry, Reece Sponsable, also arrives. Reece is bossy, demanding, and stresses Shara out by taking over her life, leading her to believe it's her responsibility to ensure everyone is okay.
Character compass
Shara
Discussion points
How do you think Shara felt during the sleepover, and have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways Shara could manage her worries at the sleepover?
Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings and worries?
How did Shara's friends help her feel better, and how can we help our friends when they are worried?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing a personal story of a time you felt worried, to help your child feel comfortable discussing their own feelings.
Encourage your child to think about solutions or coping mechanisms by discussing what Shara did and exploring other possible actions Shara could have taken.
Highlight the importance of empathy and supporting friends, pointing out moments in the story where characters help each other.
Affirm your child's feelings and reinforce that it's perfectly okay to feel worried sometimes, and what matters is how we handle these feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing anxiety
Explanation: Shara deals with her worries about the big sleepover, showing children how emotions like anxiety can be part of exciting events.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize their feelings of anxiety and understand that it's normal to feel this way sometimes. They can use coping strategies like talking to someone or deep breathing when they're nervous about new experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, Shara learns to understand the feelings of her friends who also have their own worries, which teaches her empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect the feelings of others. This can help them build stronger, more supportive relationships with their peers.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and support
Explanation: As Shara shares her concerns, she finds comfort and encouragement from her friends, highlighting the support that friendships can provide.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to seek support from and offer support to their friends, teaching them about the mutual benefits of caring relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Shara decides to face her fears and attend the sleepover, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and stepping out of their comfort zones, which is essential for personal growth and overcoming challenges.