The Worry Balloon
on Goodreads (150)
What’s inside...
On the first day of school, Isla experiences anxiety as her mind plays the 'what if' game, leading to scary thoughts and a world that feels stormy. With her mother's support, Isla blows her worries away in a balloon, but they return as school approaches. Encouraged to imagine something happy, Isla realizes she can handle anything, and her mind quiets down. 'Isla's Mind' by Mónica Mancillas, illustrated by Betty C. Tang, provides a thoughtful exploration of a child's anxiety, offering tools for mindfulness and mental health strengthening.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the main character handled their worries?
Can you think of a time you felt like the character? What did you do?
What does the 'worry balloon' represent? How can we let go of our own worry balloons?
How did the story make you feel? Why do you think it made you feel that way?
What would you say to a friend who has worries like the ones in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to reflect on how the character felt and compare it to their own experiences.
Use the story as a springboard to discuss personal worries your child might have, making it clear it’s safe to share.
Discuss the metaphor of the 'worry balloon' and brainstorm together ways to 'let go' of worries.
Emphasize the importance of expressing feelings and asking for help when overwhelmed, as shown in the book.
Revisit the book’s resolution to reinforce positive ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: The Worry Balloon follows the journey of a young character who learns to navigate their feelings of anxiety and fear with the help of a magical balloon.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their emotions and understand that it's okay to feel anxious sometimes. They can use techniques like deep breathing or talking to someone they trust to manage their feelings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters other characters with their own worry balloons, they learn to understand and empathize with the fears of others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate of their peers' feelings and to offer support during difficult times, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The main character uses creative thinking and guidance from others to find ways to let go of the worries held in their balloon.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply creative problem-solving methods to overcome challenges in their own lives, whether they're school-related or personal.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist faces setbacks in their journey to release the worries, but they continue to persevere.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resilience and not giving up when facing personal anxieties or challenges in life.
Example Lesson: Communication skills
Explanation: By sharing their fears with others, the characters learn that talking about worries can help lessen their burden.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of expressing their thoughts and feelings openly, which can help in building stronger relationships and gaining support when needed.