Ruth Goring

Many of us have been wondering how best to support young people with their anxieties while we are struggling to navigate our own escalating worries. Isaiah and the Worry Pack offers a framework for adults and young people to open a dialogue with each other and God. This book is a wonderfully illustrated story about young Isaiah, whose worries “sit in his mind like big, heavy blocks and never go away.” Rather than talk Isaiah out of his emotions and inadvertently invalidate or dismiss his concerns, his observant mother initiates an honest conversation with her son. She supports him with a guided imagery activity that allows him to find a container for his worries with some help from Jesus. While Isaiah’s concerns do not magically disappear because of this interaction, he is left with an understanding that he is never alone and can always ask God for help.

I admire the beauty of this story’s words and illustrations and how the book treats such a challenging topic with great sensitivity and thoughtfulness. There is even a page to help adults and children engage in guided imagery practices like the one modeled in the story.

Isaiah and the Worry Pack, written by Ruth Goring and illustrated by Pamela C. Rice, is available for purchase as of November 10, 2021 from all major book retailers.

I received an advance copy of this book but was not compensated for my review.
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