A sweet and actionable look at anxiety. After a traumatic event like the bee stings in the book, children may struggle to something they used to enjoy, but ABC Worry Free gives steps for accepting and moving beyond worries. Though useful for some, this book doesn't function well as a story without a message and therefore can feel a little stilted in the text. That said, kids will still enjoy reading it.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Having dealt with anxiety all of my life, I appreciate that there are now tools to teach children how to deal with it. This is a helpful book with colorful, eye catching pictures. They will learn to deal with anxiety as they listen to the story.

Neuroeducator Noel Foy has created a wonderful story and a wonderful tool to aid educators, parents and caregivers to use if a child is experiencing anxiety. The book is a response to the rise of worry and anxiety in children from all backgrounds and its impact on learning, relationships, executive functions, and wellness.

Max, an active little boy, can't wait to get home after school and play with his friends outside. Their favourite game is hide-and-seek. One day Max decides to hide in the bushes hoping nobody will detect his whereabouts. His friends can't locate him but an angry swarm of bees know exactly where he is hiding and they target him big time. Poor Max! He is not only hurting from the multiple stings but he is traumatized from the surprise and painful assault on his body. Oh my!

The experience leads him to withdraw from outside activities with his friends and slowly isolates him indoors for fear there may be repeat attacks if he goes out. His mother observes his reluctance to play with his friends and starts working with him to try and get him to go outside once more. She is very concerned about his wellbeing because staying locked up inside the house isn't the answer to his overwhelming anxiety experience.

"It must be tough watching your friends have fun without you," said Max's mom.
"I bet they'd understand how you feel. Why don't you go out and join them?'
But all Max could think was, Why don't I jump in a beehive while I'm at it?!

Max's big brother Chris observes his little brother's dilemma and luckily he becomes Max's superhero. They dialogue together and Chris gives Max the key that will unlock his paralyzing fears and set him free to once again go outside and freely play games his friends who miss him a great deal. With that special knowledge and empowerment Max unleashes himself from his worries and succeeds in taking authority over his anxious thoughts. Once again he becomes a carefree, happy-go-lucky kid, ready to resume his normal kid-life.

The powerful ABC lesson that Chris shares is : "A" stands for Acceptance; "B" stands for Breathing, take time to breathe in and out slowly; and "C" stands for Change, change the way you think about your fears and think positive thoughts about what might happen rather than all the bad things that could go wrong. The author has wisely included "Tips for Parents and Educators" at the back of the book to further their knowledge on this very important subject.

The illustrations are full of emotion and action, colourful and meaningful to the reader. We must teach children to calm their minds, and bodies and recognize their thoughts, words, actions, feelings, and physical symptom when anxious. I highly recommend this book to both young and old readers.

A.B.C Worry free is an easy, comforting, educational read for children to make the most out of their life. Fear and worry is a very common thing seen in many children these days. The author has taken this subject with genuineness to make children understand that fear is just a part of their life and they must not overreact to it by worrying but make friends with it.

Max is a good kid. He loves playing hide and seek with his friends. One day, when he hides behind a bush feeling satisfied it’s the perfect place, he is stung by a swarm of bees. From then on, he refuses to play by giving lame excuses that he is very busy at house with some work. He slowly withdraws from his friends and worrying becomes his companion. Chris, his older brother teaches him ABC to overcome his fears. What are these three words? How did this help Max? Read the book to know.

I recommend this book to all parents with small children and it is exactly the fun kind of book, teenagers and adults would also gain plenty from reading. A must read. Good books such as this, should never be missed. I support this book.

Everyday after school, Max plays hide-and-seek, his favorite game with his friends. One day, as he is hiding in the bushes, he gets stung by several bees. Upset, anxious and in pain, Max decides that he will never ever again play outside with his friends. Over the next few days, Max's friends invite him out to do all the fun things he usually enjoys, but he will not go outside. Max is far too worried to even consider stepping outside, and gradually he begins to isolate himself. When Max's brother asks him why he is not playing outside with his friends he tells him that he is afraid. Chris and Max have a long conversation, where Chris teaches him about a trick he calls ABC worry free. He tells him is is a special power. It works with practise and Max is able to play with his friends outside.

I liked this book and the lesson it shares. It is not that easy to deal with and get over anxiety and fear, but it is a great start and with practise should achieve results. A stands for Acceptance, to recognize and accept the fear ; B stands for breathing, to take the time to breathe in and out slowly; and C stands for Change, to change the way you think about your fears and think about all the positive things you could experience, instead of all the bad things that could happen. This is a great technique, especially with children that are young. This was a great story. I really liked the illustrations, they added a lot to the story showing so much emotion on their faces. This is a great book to teach children about managing their anxiety, and to remind them that it's ok to worry something, but not let it take over their lives. I read this with my grandson and we practised the ABCs. I don't know if he remembers them or not, but when I see him again we will continue to practise. The National Center for Youth Issues generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

This is a great book for younger school aged children. It follows the story of Max, a young boy who gets stung by a bee while playing hide-and-seek. After this event, he becomes fearful of playing outside again with his friends and misses out on a lot of fun. With help from his brother, he learns some great techniques for overcoming his fears and learning how to be brave in the face of fear, no matter what it is that is bothering him.

I thought this was a fantastic way to teach children that it is okay to be afraid, but giving them the necessary tools to face their fears bravely and not let it rule their lives. This is even a good reminders for adults. It is very simplified and easy to understand and integrate into any situation. Great read with valuable life skills taught!!

A story about a young boy overcoming his fear of bees after being stung while playing outside with friends. The A each letter, ABC, stands for a way to overcome the fear. Although the author is a former educator I felt the story was a bit cheesy and forced. I would not use this title in place of other titles I currently use for this topic.

The idea to use "A - Accept, B - Breathe, C- Change" to help children cope with worry and anxiety is great as it is easy to remember and easy to apply. However, it means that children will need to understand the concept of letters.

The story was easy to follow but not very entertaining. I know it is supposed to be educating but I found it a little boring but my daughter enjoyed and wanted me o read to her again. The pictures were cute but not stunning.

<b>I did not love this book, neither did it excite me. It did, however, teach me the ABC application, which I will remember - and for that I am thankful!</b>

I would like to thank NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

The young child in this book is outside playing hide and seek when, unfortunately, he gets stung by bees. Of course he is very upset. Max copes by deciding to only play inside. This seemingly keeps him safe but, naturally, does not leave him happy. Eventually Chris, Max's brother, teaches him ABC worry free. A is for accept, B is for Breathe and C is for change. Each concept is demonstrated and explained.

This book comes from the National Center for Youth Issues. It is a good book to read with a child who has a fear or to read so that children know that fear is something that we all face if we take risks. There are helpful suggestions for adults at the end of the book.

I recommend this book which does a nice job of dealing with its chosen topic.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

An excellent way to teach both parents and children about dealing with fear. The story flows well and deals with a difficult to explain concept in a good way. The note to parents and educators at the back is very good and designed in a way that means it's likely to be read and not skimmed over.

ABC Worry Free is a children’s book that aims to provide a simple three-step technique for coping with anxiety. As someone who struggles with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and the mother of a young child who wrestles with anxiety, this book appealed to me straight away.

The technique presented is nothing new: acknowledge the fear, take deep breaths, change your thinking. This is a method that is easy for children to learn and practice, and this book does a good job of breaking it down. As most families likely haven’t had access to behavior specialists to the degree that my family has (preemies, autism, etc.), this book would likely be very helpful.

That said, it definitely felt like a book written for children with anxiety rather than a children’s book that addresses anxiety. Or rather, it doesn’t feel like a book written by a children’s author, but a book written by an expert trying to reach children. The tone and writing style are different than what you might expect in a children’s book, and I didn’t love the story overall. However, the issue the book is trying to address is important, and I can see this book being useful for individuals who work with children regularly.

Note: I received this book from the publisher. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a very well written storybook. This is excellent for kids that are afraid of something and need ways to overcome their fear. The words are simple enough that an older child can comprehend. I liked the bright illustrations and using ABC to express words that help diffuse the feelings of fear.

Great book for teaching kids to overcome their fears, through a story of a boy who is afraid of bees after getting stung. Gives kids simple, actionable steps they can use to help overcome their own fears, through the ABC method. Told using engaging story telling, and I recommend it for any kids who struggle with anxiety/worry.

Noel Foy does a wonderful job exploring a boy's fear of going outside after being stung by bees. Olga and Aleksey Ivanov's illustrations bring the story to life. Foy's advice to accept one's fear is fantastic. The first half of the story is quick and entertaining, but it slowed down when max's brother was teaching him to manage his fear. All in all, a great read.

For parents of children that suffer from anxiety, this book is perfect. ABC Worry Free talks about the ABC's of dealing with fear: Accept, Breathe, Change. The book follows a young boy who gets stung by a bee while playing hide and seek outside with his friends. After that, he is afraid to go outside again. He avoids his friends and slowly learns to accept, breathe and change - especially after he finds a bee inside.
The message is excellent for any kid with fears. It's a well-illustrated, simply written story that kids as young as 4 can appreciate.

Everyday after school, Max plays hide-and-seek, his favorite game with his friends. One day, as he is hiding in the bushes, he gets stung by several bees. Completely panicked, he decides from this day on to never ever again play outside with his friends, even when Max's friends invite him over the following days. Max is way too worried to even consider stepping outside. Little by little, he starts isolating himself, even riding on the school bus alone...

One day, Max and his brother have a conversation, and Max realizes that he is not the only one to have fears! His brother teaches him a nice trick: whenever Max worries, he has to reminds himself of a special power: "The ABC worry free". A stands for Acceptance, to recognize and accept that Max is afraid of bees ; B stands for breathing, to take the time to breathe in and out slowly, just like when you smell a very delicious pizza ; and C stands for Change, to think about all the positive things Max could experience, instead of all the bad things that could happen.

Max loves "The ABC worries free"! He promises his brother to practice it on his own, so that when time comes, he will be ready! And not long after that, as he was relaxing in his room, he suddenly hears the sound of a bee... just next to him! After running to hide and protect himself, he remembers that it is ok to be afraid, then takes 3 longs breathes in and out, and finally stands tall and open the window to free the bee! On the final pages, we see Max running outside to play hide-and-seek with his friends, finally free from his worries.

What a great story! What a useful book to teach kids how to manage their anxiety, and to remind them that it's ok to worry something, and that there are ways to help them feel better.