Wemberly Worried: a book review

On our most recent trip to the library, we stumbled upon a charming little book that is so very appropriate for the start of the school year.  The book is Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes.  

Wemberly Worried follows a cute little mouse named Wemberly who worries about everything.  She worries about little things, big things, and all things in between.  Most of all, Wemberly worries about going to school. 

"By the time the first day arrived, Wemberly had a long list of worries.  What if no one else has spots?  What if no one else wears stripes?  What if no one else brings a doll?  What if the teacher is mean?  What if the room smells bad? What if they make fun of my name?  What if I can't find the bathroom?  What if I hate the snack?  What if I have to cry?"   


In the end, Wemberly makes a friend who also worries and also wears stripes.  Our favorite page says, "Wemberly worried.  But no more than usual.  And sometimes even less."  Ha, I love it!

Sissy's picture of Wemberly.

This book was the perfect conversation started with my own little worrier.  She related with Wemberly, laughed at her a bit, and rejoiced when she found a friend.  It also allowed us to talk about all of her own worries about school, which in many cases mirrored Wemberly's.  Sissy worries about finding her class after drop off, knowing where the bathroom is especially during P.E., meeting her teacher, standing up to bullies, and mostly about missing her brothers.  Thanks to Wemberly, Sissy and I were able to address many of her worries before the start of school. 


I highly recommend picking up Wemberly Worried if your own little worrier starts school this fall.