Don’t Worry, Felix
Yohann Devezy and Katharine Alice, illustrated by Zoe Bennett
New Frontier Publishing

Felix is starting at a new school – ‘a BIG day’ indeed. Having rushed downstairs, hastily consumed his breakfast and donned his lucky socks, he heads out to the car. There he notices something peculiar and unexpected: floating inside the car is a red balloon. During the journey, Felix feels his heart thumping, his stomach knotting and his toes wiggling; suddenly that balloon starts getting bigger and bigger, so big in fact that he’s unable to get out of the car. A hug from Dad, does the trick and off goes Felix to his new classroom.

Come reading time, as it’s almost his turn to read out loud he gets those same thumping, twisting, wiggling feelings and that balloon grows so massive that his face is covered and he can hardly speak. At lunch time when he wants to join a soccer game, the same discomforting feelings return and the balloon prevents Felix moving.

In bed all he can think about is school and that balloon. When Dad comes to say good night he realises that all is not well with Felix who tells him about the uncomfortable feelings and the balloon blocking his actions. An understanding Dad shares his own special trick with the boy and as Felix tries it, the balloon shrinks and he falls asleep.

The next morning back comes the balloon but Dad assures him that the trick can be used at any time. Felix does the ritual three times and goes into class confident that his dad’s special trick can help alleviate his funny feelings whenever needed. He also notices another child who needs his help …

A reassuring, ultimately uplifting story about learning to cope with fear; it contains a practical routine that is worth passing on to any young child experiencing similar issues. Zoe Bennett’s illustrations show so well the changing emotions experienced by Felix and those of his empathetic Dad and are also full of fun details to enjoy.