Wemberly Worried
Title: Wemberly Worried
Author: Kevin Henkes
Recommended for Ages: 4 – 8
About: feelings, Feeling very worried
Wemberly is a little mouse who worries about everything! She worries about little things and big things, imaginary things and real things, and every thing in between. She especially worries about her doll, Petal. If she is really worried, Wemberly rubs her Petal’s ears – but then she worries that she might rub them off.
When Wemberly learns that she is going to Nursery School, she finds that she has a whole new set of ‘What Ifs’ to worry about like, “What if no one else brings a doll?” Wemberly worries all the way to school.
Wemberly’s teacher greets her when she comes in the door and introduces her to Jewel, who like Wemberly has a doll that she carries everywhere and rubs it’s nose when she is worried. As Wemberly and Jewel visit and play with one another, Wemberly begins to realize that she is having fun and that she is not the only child who worries about things.
Wemberly Worried addresses fears and worrying feelings frequently experienced by young children in new situations. The characters are easy to relate to and the pictures are drawn in vibrant colors, keeping children engaged.
It is important for teachers to create a welcoming environment for children during their first few weeks in a new classroom. Because children can identify with many of Wemberly's worries, parents and teachers may find the story helpful in preparing young children who feel worried for their transition to school. Engaging the children in conversation about Wemberly’s story will help them recognize that they are not the only ones who worry and that the parents and caregivers will always be ready to support them.
Reviewer:
Elizabeth Rhoades, MS.
Early Childhood Consultant
Early Childhood Consultation Partnership