The Worries: Jaz and the New Baby; Jion Sheibani

The Worries are on the loose again and this time they are bringing a whole heap of trouble and mischief to seven-year-old Jaz’s life.

Jazmin, aka Jaz, has a lot to be excited about. Firstly, mum is having a baby and Jaz is about to become a big sister. Secondly, it’s Jaz’s birthday soon and she has planned the most awesome party to celebrate with her friends.

But then the baby arrives early and all mum and dad are interested in is Jaz’s new sister, Rosana. It’s as if Jaz doesn’t even exist and as for the birthday party, forget it. And Rosana isn’t the only thing to have burst into Jaz’s life…the Worries have come too. Loner, DJ Disaster, Jealousy and Change are just waiting to cause mischief and mayhem. Jaz is sure that she has gotten everything under control but with the birthday party approaching and the Worries getting bigger, will Jaz be able to keep a lid on things or is she really turning into the worst sister ever…

​The second title in Jion Sheibani’s highly entertaining and highly illustrated ‘THE WORRIES’ series takes a look at the anxieties and worries that crop up when a new arrival becomes part of the household. 

The birth of a new sibling is very exciting but it can also bring lots of changes - different routines, a switch in the centre of attention, accidents, mishaps and forgetfulness can all leave an older sibling feeling anxious and worried. In Jaz’s life these worries are represented by some very amusing and entertaining creatures who revel in bringing havoc, chaos, damage and generally causing as many problems in Jaz’s life as possible.

Through a funny, heartfelt and totally realistic story involving dirty diapers, baby sick and some very bad ‘dad music’, Sheibani explores relatable themes of jealousy, loneliness and change. Delivering important messages and comforting reassurances, children will take heart from Jaz and know that their similar feelings are completely normal and that they don’t make you a terrible sibling, in fact, the ability to show those feelings and to take control of them will make you the best sibling ever.

Mindfulness and mental health have never been more important and it is great that books like this exist to help support children who might be feeling worried or anxious, Jion Sheibani provides the perfect platform for opening up those big and important conversations. Told over several short chapters and featuring lots of illustrations in shades of purple, this makes for an excellent independent read for newly confident readers or a great book for an adult and new older sibling to share together.

With huge thanks to Penguin Random House for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 6+.