From Worries to Wonder: Picture Books and Activities that Meet Children Where They Are
As both an illustrator and an author, I’ve had the privilege to work on stories that do more than entertain — they gently speak to children’s quiet worries, big feelings, and moments when words are hardest to find. Emma Farrell’s Wibberley Wobberley Worries – Difference and Higgledy Piggledy Hearts – Bereavement are beautiful examples of this: books and workbooks that invite children to look at their feelings with honesty and kindness. They don’t rush to fix sadness or fear; instead, they create space for children to explore, question, and slowly heal.
The reason behind Are You Bored? and its companion Activity Book is the message they share: boredom - as a strong feeling - isn’t something to chase away - it’s something to explore. Instead of rushing to fill every silent moment, the picture book invites children to pause, look closer, and discover that fun can be found around them. It turns a simple question — “Are you bored?” — into a conversation about curiosity, attention, and seeing beauty in the everyday. The Activity Book then takes that message further, gently guiding children to reflect, draw, and imagine without rules or pressure. Together, they create a calming space where children can slow down, notice what they might otherwise miss, and realise that stillness can spark creativity rather than feel empty. It’s about teaching kids - and sometimes reminding grown-ups too - that wonder often lives right where we least expect it: in the quiet, unhurried moments we usually overlook.
Why Activity Book and Book belong together…
The Are You Bored? picture book and its companion Activity Book were created to do more than simply fill an empty afternoon as together, they gently transform boredom into an invitation to slow down, notice, and wonder. The picture book itself isn’t a traditional story with characters or plot but a conversation between author and reader, encouraging children to pay attention to discover creativity hidden in ordinary moments. The Activity Book then carries that conversation forward: through playful prompts, mindful drawing, and curious questions, it guides children to explore their thoughts, senses, and surroundings.
Rather than fighting boredom, this pair shows children that stillness can be a something to explore - a space where new ideas, daydreams, and small joys have room to bloom. With warm, hand-drawn illustrations tying them together, the two books create a complete experience: first inspiring reflection, then gently nudging young readers to turn those reflections into their own creative discoveries. Together, they remind children that sometimes the quietest moments can spark the brightest imagination.
Wibberley Wobberley Worries – Difference by Emma FarrellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A magical, tail-wagging guide for kids who feel “not quite good enough”
Wibberley Wobberley Worries – Difference gently steps into a space so many children know too well: that anxious corner of the heart that whispers, “I’m not like everyone else… maybe that’s bad.” Through the comforting presence of Magical Maisie and her four-legged friends, author Emma Farrell offers a warm reminder that being different isn’t just okay - it can be the very thing that makes us special.
At the heart of the story is Magical Maisie, a wise and gentle dog who helps others see their own worth. As Maisie and her canine companions share little adventures and thoughts, young readers discover that the things they worry about - a quirk, a habit, a way of looking or moving - aren’t flaws to hide but unique traits to embrace. Farrell’s language is calm and direct, speaking to children in a tone that feels both honest and safe.
I had the great pleasure of illustrating the series - hoping to add some heart to this journey. With soft colors, kind-eyed pups, and comforting backgrounds, the art was designed to make every page feel like a friendly nudge to keep going. The dogs’ gentle expressions and playful moments create an atmosphere where big feelings become a bit smaller, and worries feel a little less heavy.
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Wibberley Wobberley Worries – Difference Workbook by Emma FarrellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Turning gentle words into everyday help
The companion workbook takes Maisie’s message a step further. Rather than telling kids to “just stop worrying,” it invites them to explore why they feel different, what makes them special, and how to turn self-doubt into quiet pride. Through drawing prompts, simple reflections, and thoughtful activities, it gives children space to slow down and speak kindly to themselves.
What’s lovely is that the workbook never feels like homework. Instead, it’s more like sitting down with Magical Maisie herself - listening, sharing, and realizing you’re not alone. It encourages kids to celebrate the very things they once wished away.
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Why they belong together
Together, the picture book and workbook form a gentle, supportive duo: one tells the story that warms the heart; the other guides small hands and big feelings toward self‑acceptance. It’s a thoughtful resource for any child who’s ever worried they were “too different” - and a comforting reminder that those differences are often what make them shine brightest.
Ideal for parents, teachers, therapists, and dog lovers alike, Wibberley Wobberley Worries – Difference helps children see what Magical Maisie already knows: every wag, wiggle, and worry makes you wonderfully, uniquely you.
Check the Wibberley Wobberley Worries – Difference book on Amazon
Check the Wibberley Wobberley Worries – Difference workbook on Amazon
Higgledy Piggledy Hearts - Bereavement by Emma FarrellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Higgledy Piggledy Hearts – Bereavement by Emma Farrell is a heartfelt picture book that gently introduces children to the concept of grief and loss. As the first book in the Higgledy Piggledy Hearts series, it focuses on emotional honesty and reassurance, offering young readers a story they can relate to in moments of sadness.
The narrative follows a two characters experiencing the overwhelming emotions of bereavement. Emma’s writing is simple yet profound, making space for children to see their own feelings reflected on the page. It validates emotions without offering rushed solutions - just quiet understanding and gentle companionship.
As the illustrator, I aimed to complement the story’s sensitivity with artwork that is expressive and emotionally resonant. The soft color palette and relatable characters help convey vulnerability while leaving room for imagination and interpretation.
This book is a powerful tool for families, schools, and therapists wanting to start important conversations about loss in a warm, age-appropriate way.
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Higgledy Piggledy Hearts - Bereavement Workbook by Emma FarrellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Higgledy Piggledy Hearts Bereavement Workbook is a beautiful hands-on companion to the picture book. Designed by Emma Farrell with input from child development experts, this workbook helps children process their grief in creative, open-ended ways.
Inside, children will find guided activities that encourage expression through drawing, writing, and reflecting. Whether it’s a memory page, an emotion chart, or a gentle prompt to share how they feel, every page is crafted with care and purpose.
As the illustrator, I continued the visual world of the story into the workbook, using comforting imagery and soft lines to make each activity feel welcoming. The hearts remain the emotional anchors - quiet companions on the page who mirror the child’s inner world.
This workbook turns emotional support into an interactive, empowering experience. It’s ideal for therapists, teachers, or caregivers supporting a grieving child.
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Why they belong together
Together, the Higgledy Piggledy Hearts – Bereavement picture book and its companion workbook form a gentle pathway through one of life’s hardest moments. The story offers children a comforting narrative about love, loss, and remembering — told in language that feels safe and warm, never overwhelming. Meanwhile, the workbook gently invites young readers to explore their own memories, feelings, and questions at their own pace. With tender illustrations that hold space for sadness and hope, this set doesn’t try to “fix” grief; instead, it lovingly guides children to understand it, honor it, and keep precious memories close to their hearts.
In the end, all of these books share something simple yet powerful: they meet children exactly where they are - in sadness, boredom, or quiet self-doubt - and gently remind them they are never alone with those feelings. Whether through playful dogs, gentle hearts, or quiet questions, these stories and activities help children turn difficult moments into opportunities for kindness, reflection, and creative discovery. And as an illustrator and author, I feel grateful every day to help bring those gentle conversations to life.
Check the Higgledy Piggledy Hearts – Bereavement book on Amazon
Check the Higgledy Piggledy Hearts – Bereavement workbook on Amazon
