The Worry Tree - Marianne Musgrove

Recommended for kids 7-15.

The Worry Tree is a sensitive look at how kids are affected by and cope with stress. It tells the story of Juliet, a young girl with an annoying baby sister, an ageing grandma, a school bully, and her arguing parents to worry about. Not to mention her two friends who seem to be fighting over who is Juliet's best friend. In fact, it's enough to give anyone a headache. Juliet finds comfort through sharing her problems with the mysterious 'Worry Tree' that has bloomed in her house.

Although I found the book a bit didactic (trying to teach kids how to deal with stress), I loved the gentle storyline and characterisation, and could empathise with Juliet at many times in the book!

Younger readers will get more out of this than I did, particularly if they are worrywarts themselves. Older readers might prefer The 10pm Question, although I much preferred The Worry Tree.