Title: Ruby’s Worry
Author: Tom Percival
Illustrator: Tom Percival
The Story:
Ruby is perfectly happy until one day she finds a Worry at the end of her garden. The Worry follows her everywhere but no one else seems to be able to see it and even worse it is getting bigger! The Worry begins to stop Ruby from doing the things she loves and she becomes very unhappy. But when she stumbles across a boy at the park with a Worry of his own, she learns how to get rid of her Worry. A beautifully told and illustrated story with a simple but essential message at its core: a problem shared is a problem halved.
Favourite Spread:
It was hard to pick a favourite spread from this wonderful story which has equally powerful illustrations. Eventually I settled on this spread which perfectly depicts something many of us have done – as children and adults – burying our worries rather than speaking up.
This spread is also a fabulous example of Tom’s beautiful use of colour throughout this story, showing only Ruby in colour alongside her bright yellow (but invisible) Worry.
The Verdict:
This has fast become a classic in my home. Tom has written and illustrated a heart-warming accessible story centred around mental health with a diverse protagonist, that can be enjoyed by all ages. I hope one day soon there is a copy of Ruby’s Worry in every school, library and home across the globe.
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication date: 12 July 2018
ISBN: 978 1 4088 9215 2
Picture Book Perfect 
Agreed! A wonderful book that discusses (in a non-preachy way) the complex issue of mental health issues that can beset many children. The use of mono/colour in Tom Percival’s illustrations is brilliantly executed.
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Yes, definitely one of my favourites 🙂
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