Silly Billy

The title of this book doesn't really indicate what the story is about. Billy isn't "silly" at all, he just worries about things, like many children (and adults!). The story shows how Billy stays awake at night with worry, until his Grandma teaches him about Guatemalan worry dolls. This authentic Central American tradition is used by children and adults alike; you tell your worries to the dolls, put them under your pillow when you sleep, and you let them deal with your worries in the night. The book has very beautiful illustrations which capture Billy's moods (when he is worrying and when he realises he has overcome his worries), his loving parents, and his wise Grandma. The words explain worry dolls in a very child friendly way. You could make the worry dolls yourself (pipe cleaners, old fabric remnants, etc.) The book is great for children and gives them a simple effective way to deal with concerns and worries.

I bought this for my 8 year old grandson. He had been waking in the night crying and frightened. He had even seen his GP a couple of times regarding it who was starting to tag him as a "disturbed child" which was utter rot!! There was obviously a lot of worries going around in his head that he was struggling to sort out. I had bought him a bag of worry people and in researching them found out about this book. The story explained the "use" of the worry people in such a child friendly way. He loved the story, it obviously clicked with him somehow and after just 3 nights of him privately telling his people his concerns and then tucking them under his pillow he has slept soundly. That was a couple of months ago and there hasn't been a problem since. He does say however that if he get worried or frightened of something again he knows how "to sort it out" I have nothing negative to say

This book was great for kids who worry a lot, even purchased some worry dolls.

It's a beautiful book

A good story for young children, dealing with a sensitive issue in a child-friendly way.

These books have open opportunities for conversation that always lead to discussions around feelings

Lovely book for discussing feelings with young children. I also purchased some worry dolls for them to explore in order to understand this section of the story. Opens up lovely conversations about our own worries.

Lovely story for any child who worries Alot, this is a great bedtime read. My four year old really enjoyed it

Name does not really explain the book. It is a great resource for kids who worry. Has really nothing to do with being silly

Folklore and tradition from Guatemala. Cultural evasion to teach kids how to deal with worrisome thoughts before bedtime.

Great quality item. Wonderful story to share .

Mia figlia di 3 anni è entrata nel periodo delle paure e cercavo un libro che potesse accompagnarla in questa fase. Ho trovato questo albo del famosissimo Anthony Browne, che non delude mai. Le illustrazioni sono immediatamente riconoscibili nel suo stile unico e trovo bellissimo il modo in cui rende visivamente le paure di Billy. Mi è piaciuto molto anche che la soluzione proposta sia l’utilizzo delle Worry Dolls: da un lato perché le ho già in casa e trovo carino metterle in uso con la mia bimba, dall’altro perché amo quando i libri riportano tradizioni del mondo e offrono spunti educativi legati ad altre culture. Inoltre l’approccio è in linea con il tipo di educazione che sto seguendo. Ho apprezzato molto anche come i genitori compaiono nella storia: presenti, gentili, accoglienti e capaci di validare le emozioni del protagonista. PRO: - albo di qualità, firmato da un grande autore - introduzione di una tradizione del mondo (Worry Dolls, Guatemala) - finale a sorpresa che arricchisce il personaggio e la storia - formato grande, perfetto anche per letture di gruppo CONTRO: nessuno CONSIGLIATO: Lo consiglio a chi cerca un albo di valore che tratti il tema della paura in modo educativo, rispettoso e non spaventoso (non vengono mostrati mostri o trattate paure specifiche). A mio parere questo è un libro di grande qualità, che apre lo sguardo e il cuore.

Nice story told by Anthony Browne. I will use it for teaching English to children and as a recommended book in teacher training sessions.