Publishers Weekly
08/01/2022
Actor Olsen and musician Arnett, this picture book’s married authorial team, introduce mindfulness practices for coping with classroom-related jitters via this series-launching adventure. Hattie, portrayed as a striped orange feline, is known to have “many tools up her sleeve, ” plus a “trusty Worry Detective Tool Belt,” to help her friends solve their worries. And on the first day of school at Wildwood Elementary, she’s working at full tilt, chasing away Pearl Peppercorn’s belly butterflies through centering movements, and easing Seymore Swiggletooth’s fears about being called on by giving him a squishy ball to squeeze, helping his “worried mind to relax.” Hattie even faces a fear of her own—a tall slide—before the day is done. Though passages can teeter toward the didactic, the text and an authors’ note offer concrete tools for mind and body that readers can use to manage worries. Valdez’s kinetic images capture a range of emotional energy, depicting animalian characters moving from concern and frenetic anxiety to carefree joy and calm. Ages 4–8. (June)
School Library Journal
07/29/2022
PreS-Gr 2—Hattie Harmony is a self-proclaimed "worry detective" who uses her skills (and tool belt) to help anxious students—including herself—at Wildwood Elementary throughout the first day of school. Hattie cheerfully shares practical tools and strategies with her classmates to help them cope with their emotions, from first day jitters to worries about speaking in class and anxiety over finding the right bus. Hattie and her schoolmates are all anthropomorphized animals, and while they lack characterization beyond their respective worries, they are depicted vibrantly by Valdez, whose colorful artwork is charming and expressive. The lively illustrations are more engaging than the text, which is didactic in tone but does offer affirmations and accessible guidance that may benefit some young readers. Back matter includes a note from the authors and a brief overview of each of the tools featured in the book (mindful movement, stress balls, facing fear, and mindful breathing). VERDICT A suitable SEL resource where titles on mindful coping strategies are needed.—Lauren Strohecker
Kirkus Reviews
2022-03-30
A feline worry solver gives her animal pals practical tools for coping.
The first day of school at Wildwood Elementary finds students both excited and a bit fearful. Hattie Harmony helps her friends with back-to-school butterflies, trepidation about participating in class, and school bus chaos. Whether it’s calmly taking deep breaths or squeezing a stress ball, Hattie’s advice could work for readers, too. Actress Olsen and husband and writing partner Arnett smartly include Hattie herself among the school worriers. And though she struggles with her fear, she whispers to herself, “Brave people don’t always feel brave inside”—wise words and a powerful reminder to readers. With the triumphant refrain, “Worry, worry, go away! There’s no time for you today!” each character uses a tool to deal with their anxiety. Hattie is adorable, with her large, wire-rimmed glasses and tool belt. The bright colors and scene-driven illustrations will draw readers into the world of Wildwood Elementary. A helpful ending note, “Tools Used in This Book,” further explains the four calming techniques Hattie teaches her friends. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An approachable, child-friendly guide to processing anxiety. (authors’ note) (Picture book. 4-7)
