Don't worry, Felix by Yohann Devezy and Katharine Alice. Illus. by Zoe Bennett

It is Felix’s first day at a new school. When he gets into the car with his family, he finds a red balloon, and as the family gets closer to the school, the balloon gets bigger. The balloon incorporates all the worries Felix has about starting his new school. Then when it is his turn to read, the balloon is so big it covers his mouth.

The balloon is a metaphor for Felix’s worries and concerns about change. And we see the little boy floundering as he wants to play with the others at break, but his balloon gets in the way. In bed that night the balloon is still there but when Dad comes in to say goodnight, he sees that something is upsetting the boy. He asks him about his worries, then tells him his trick for dealing with them. He gets Felix to try the trick of breathing in and out while pinching his fingers. Felix finds that it works, and he sleeps. Riding to school the next day the balloon reappears, so Dad and Felix practise the special trick, and the balloon becomes smaller and smaller as the day goes on.

At break Felix finds another child sitting by himself just as he had done. He goes up to the child, asking how he feels, and when he tells him, Felix shares his Dad’s special trick.  Together the two practise Dad’s special trick, ensuring they feel calm and compatible.

This is a neat story about confidence, about overcoming anxiety and fears, with a proven breathing exercise that many people practise every day.

It is wonderfully coiled into the story,  making it an easy way to acquaint children with the fact that many people feel the same way and practise this simple breathing exercise.

Illustrator Zoe Bennett draws beautifully presented children in a variety of poses, promoting their inventiveness, playfulness and courage. She uses water colour, gouache and digital methods to create her cheeky mob of children whose emotions are clearly obvious by the looks on their faces. Zoe is an animal lover and has included different animals in the background of her work. I loved the images set in the school, reminding children of their role in being part of the school cohort, not just there to learn, but also to advise, share and befriend others. Felix’s sharing of his new found skill with another child is a lovely end to this story and reinforces the fact that we all play a part in the school environment. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Confidence, Anxiety, Breathing, Mediation, Sharing, School.

Fran Knight