Independent reading level: grades 1-3

This is a great book! This is perfect to share with children so that they learn about what worry is and how to overcome it.

Hector's favorite place is at home. He likes his books and his stuff. He knows he is safe there. Hector is a worrier. He likes to hear about his friends’ news and wants to do fun things with them but there’s always a "what if" that stands in the way of him joining in with their outside fun. The more Hector missed out, the more he realized that he had to be brave and try new things. Having a grandchild with anxiety issues, it is not that easy, but this is a great book to open a discussion about what Hector could do. Hector learns that once he’s outside of his comfort zone most of the things he was worried about didn’t happen. Hector becomes more confident, knowing he can have fun with his friends, and looks forward to spending more time with them.

The illustrations are cute and by using animals rather than people to tell the story my grandson was engaged and more verbal about what Hector needed to do. We talked about what would you do if you were Hector, and he was able to verbalize some solutions that would work in his own life, like having his parents go with him. At the end of the story there are ‘Notes to Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals’. This is a good addition to the book as it provides practical suggestions for adults who are in a position to make a positive impact on anxious children. Some of the topics are: Address the worry, Model & Practise, Praise effort ....

All children have a certain amount of worry and anxious feelings about new things, so this book could be read to a group of children or individuals before a new activity to head off tears or foot dragging. A great addition to family libraries where a child has anxiety issues. The publisher, Magination Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own. ( )

Hector the Hedgehog is afraid to go outside. Finally he gets up the courage and has a great time. This book is intended to help parents whose kids have similar issues--fear of trying new things, fear of not knowing anyone at the party, etc. The end of the book has a long note by a child psychologist who deals with these things. So if your child has really intense fears of that type, this might be a good icebreaker. ( )