In The Worry Balloon, a thoughtful and reassuring picture book, Monica Mancillas's text and Betty C. Tang's illustrations show how one child experiences anxiety and worry, providing different tools to practice mindfulness and strengthen one's mental health.

"It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself"--

Faizah relates how she feels on the first day her sister, sixth-grader Asiya, wears a hijab to school.

"Rosie can't wait to start kindergarten--she's had her pencils sharpened and her backpack ready for weeks. But suddenly, on the night before the big day, her tummy hurts. Rosie's mom reassures her that it's just butterflies in her belly, and she'll feel better soon. Much to Rosie's surprise, when she says hello to a new friend on the bus, a butterfly flies out of her mouth! As the day goes on, Rosie frees all her butterflies, and even helps another...

Instilled with confidence by his parents, a young boy has a great first day of kindergarten.

Concerned about losing friends during the first week of school, Unicorn upgrades his fabulousness.

Jazzbo does not want to go to school until he and his mother find just the right school for him.

Izzy finds many things to be excited about on the first day of school.

On the first day of preschool, Daniel gradually overcomes his nervousness as he plays in the sandbox, collects leaves, and bakes cookies. Includes tips for parents on getting ready for preschool and a recipe for pumpkin cookies.

A young child imagines going off to Kindergarten as a journey to another planet.