WORRIED? Let VICTOR Help (Victor, The Wolf With Worries)

 You don't need to be heading back to school, scheduling a job interview, joining a new club or social group, or otherwise anticipating your personal shortcomings to 

WORRY!

Most of us tend to worry on a daily basis, about anything and everything-- whether or not we are "good enough" for any and all events and affiliations. That comes from COMPARING, from seeing who others are, how they function, what they look like, and ways they interact  then viewing ourselves as lesser. Less strong, less attractive, less knowledgeable, less... you fill in the blanks. It's all well and good to assess ourselves objectively and set achievable goals. That can be motivating, instigating growth and positive change. 

BOXER BOOKS, 2023

But WORRY leads to becoming frozen, or self-isolating, or even misrepresenting ourselves as something we are not. Which brings us to this delightful and important picture book, VICTOR: THE WOLF WITH WORRIES. It's written and illustrated by Catherine Rayner, whose talent in both creative realms shines through. 

There is no shortage of kids who worry, and no shortage of picture books about worrying. Even so, please  share this one with anyone you know who worries, whether situationally or chronically. It's a gem.

Most litters of furry critters reveal distinct personalities within weeks. One might be noticeably affectionate, another clearly curious, while others either assertive or shy. Innate personalities are the natural templates on which learning builds and through which instincts emerge. In social groups like wolves (or classrooms) those personality differences are even more evident. And some WORRY.

Rayner's cover alone reveals how utterly irresistible VICTOR is. Somehow, that loose, mottled illustration style incorporates revealing elements that are expressive and appealing. Check the sharply-focused but somehow slightly wary eyes, the shoulder/head angle and flattened tail that suggest watchfulness and an element of simmering concern. The color tones and textures throughout underscore the wild and natural aspects of Victor and his pack, despite the very human emotional experiences, attitudes, conversations, and responses they convey. 

BOXER BOOKS: Title Page

Before you WORRY that this book is too downbeat, the title page shifts to glowing pastel tones and a much more confident view of Victor, promising potential resolution of his distress. 

It does not disappoint, and the journey to that resolution, that character growth, follows a friendship path between young (and worried) VICTOR and his little buddy PABLO. First, though, readers will note the kinds of things that make Victor worry. Each comes from his actual observation of the older group as well as his internal assessment that he doesn't measure up. He adds the very recognizable conclusion that unless he can match the others, he will not be welcomed, or even accepted.

His efforts to manage his inadequacies revolve around pretending. Not big enough, or fierce enough, or brave enough? Fake it till you make it, so to speak. But young Victor is a sharp wolf and realizes that pretending could invite others to believe he is all that, expecting him to prove himself actually big or brave or fierce. 

That thought pattern is set with a perfect balance of crisp text and revealing, appealing illustrations that invite attention to small, smile-inducing elements. Then, several pages in, Victor turns to his friend Pablo. 

Pablo does what a good friend does. He notices that something is wrong and asks about it. In the following pages, Pablo gently suggests ways Victor can diffuse  his worries, can self-regulate his chronic concerns. Telling a trusted friend your worries can lighten a load. Imagining your worry is in a bubble and blowing it gently away can relax your mind and heart. Running and frolicking can work out nervous energy. All of which allow Victor to  feel more "wolfish". (The illustration on that particular double spread is fantastic, and includes such a revealing perfect wolfish detail in Victor's grin. The conclusion is both satisfying and charmingly fun. 

The strategies suggested by Pablo are ones mentioned in other, more didactic "worry" books. Here, the visual and storytelling appeal make this so entertaining that littles will want to hear it again and again, likely imitating the two friends as they follow Victor through his growth. The changes are subtle and organic to the friendship and the plot, while the illustrations (with those subtle but revealing art details) make this a book I want to hug. Give it a look soon, and ask yourself how often you might be scrolling through social media and judging yourself as LESS THAN. Using this book in a discussion of that topic with older kids could be worthwhile. Maybe it would even soothe your own worries!