My Worry Balloon

Ava likes knowing what comes next. She likes sharpened pencils lined up just so, and lists with little boxes to check. But when her teacher announces a class presentation, Ava's worry starts small - and it doesn't stay that way.With every "what if," a little yellow balloon grows bigger. It follows her to lunch. It bumps against the ceiling. Soon it's so big she can barely see past it - and no one else can see it at all.Everyone else seems fine. Everyone else seems ready. So Ava keeps her balloon a secret... until one night, it feels too heavy to carry alone.My Worry Balloon is Book Three in the Beneath the Surface series - gentle, honest picture books about the things kids carry that grown-ups can't always see. Through Ava's story, young readers learn that worry doesn't mean something is wrong with them, that asking for help is brave, not weak, and that even on the scariest day, one slow breath is enough to start again.A warm, relatable read for children ages 4-8, and a helpful conversation-starter for parents, teachers, and counselors talking with kids about anxiety, self-advocacy, and everyday courage.Includes bonus activity pages: a calming challenge to try together, a "My Worry Journal" page for kids to draw or write about their own worries, and discussion questions for home or the classroom.Also in the Beneath the Surface series: Book One: A Heart Bigger Than the Sky Book Two: My Backpack Looks Empty