What If It Never Stops Raining?

Tim is always worrying about something, but things never turn out as badly as he thinks they will

PreSchool-Grade 3-- Tim worries that his house will be swept away in a flood, that the school bus driver will get lost, that he will forget his science report, strike out in the ballgame, and fall off the top of the swing set. He gets to school on time, doesn't hurt himself, and delivers a fine oral report. He does strike out, but no one gets mad at him. His mother assures him that if there is a flood, they will sail down the street to a tropical island, an answer that perhaps takes Tim's concerns a bit lightly. The cartoon-style illustrations convey the boy's emotions, yet the eye-goggling, mouth-gaping expressions lack subtlety. Depictions of his fears have jagged-edged borders, while actual events are in a sedate square layout, a device that clearly separates the two. Likely occurrences such as striking out are given equal weight with such unlikely happenings as the bus getting lost in the desert. And each worry is exaggerated by Tim's imaginings, further blurring the line between real concerns and useless worry. Both text and pictures are rendered in broad strokes. This is not a deep examination of anxiety. However, it is told from a child's point of view, and the overall tone is positive and supportive without being didactic. An adequate secondary purchase. --Karen James, Louisville Free Public Library, KY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the author of I Like Me! and Take Time to Relax comes another work exploring children's psychological issues. Anxiety and how to deal with it is proficiently handled, as Tim learns to cope with his tendency toward excessive worrying. When a few raindrops portend floods to Tim, his mother reassures him: "we could jump in a boat and sail down the street." Tim frets continually--about the new school bus driver, playground activities, his science report. But by the end of the day, the youngster has learned (as readers will) that there are many ways to alleviate anxiety; and even though his bedtime thoughts are filled with angst, he falls asleep knowing that he has the tools to combat that angst. In an accessible format, Carlson's signature cartoony, contemporary-looking illustrations exude innocence and gentle humor. Two minor cavils: some kids may find these imagined "disasters" somewhat alarming; the book's resolution is a bit too tidy. Nonetheless, this author-illustrator is well on her way to becoming the Leo Buscaglia of the younger set. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.