BIG THOUGHTS

A child learns to manage his intrusive thoughts.

When Sonny feels like himself, his head is full of his favorite things: “a flock of pink birds in the sky. Jelly beans in a jar. A sharpened pencil.” Other days, though, Sonny wakes up with Big Thoughts that leave him with a racing heart and unsettled stomach. Depicted as a dark, growing blob full of scary scribbles, these loud, overwhelming worries follow Sonny like a shadow. The Big Thoughts can be about past or future worries; Dockrill describes them in a gentle, clear, and affirming way. When Sonny can no longer hold it all in, big sister Sky tells him that talking things out can quiet the Big Thoughts. Sonny realizes others struggle with similar anxieties, and with a friend, he catches and releases his worries like a fish in a net. The final pages are saturated in soft purples and blues, creating a sense of safety and peace, and although the Big Thoughts might not be gone for good, Sonny feels calm knowing how to shrink them. Dockrill doesn’t list specific examples of anxieties, making it easy for a young reader to recognize themselves in this book. Intrusive thoughts are challenging at any age, and through Sonny’s story, children will not only feel seen but also empowered to take control. Backmatter is packed with child-appropriate activities and tips. Sonny and Sky have tan skin and light-colored hair; Sonny’s friend has brown skin and dark hair.

Validation for youngsters grappling with complicated emotions.