Charlotte author Samm Schmidt is set to release her debut picture book, Wendy and the Worry Warts, aimed at helping young children cope with anxiety. The story follows Wendy, a little witch struggling with test anxiety, who begins growing “worry warts” as she navigates her feelings. The book introduces practical coping strategies and fosters empathy by showing that anxiety is a common experience.
Samm Schmidt, originally from Portland, Oregon, has spent four years developing “Wendy and the Worry Warts,” a picture book designed to provide young readers with practical coping skills for managing anxiety while fostering empathy among their peers.
The book follows Wendy, a little witch facing an end-of-grade test who becomes so overwhelmed with worry that she begins growing physical “worry warts.” Through Wendy’s journey, young readers learn alongside the character as she discovers new coping techniques and battles her anxiety.
Schmidt’s motivation stems from rising anxiety rates among elementary school students and the shortage of mental health support. By using an engaging narrative, she offers tools to manage anxiety, such as communication, seeking help, and self-care strategies. The book’s release addresses a critical need for age-appropriate mental health resources, emphasizing emotional wellness alongside academic achievement.
The upcoming picture book emphasizes several key elements for helping children cope with anxiety, including the importance of communication, seeking support from others, and practical self-help strategies for managing anxiety attacks. Schmidt particularly focuses on acknowledging how overwhelming and impossible anxiety can feel in the moment, validating children’s experiences while offering hope and practical solutions.
By introducing these concepts through an engaging story format, Schmidt aims to help children begin practicing anxiety management skills early in their development. Research indicates that early intervention and skill-building can significantly improve children’s ability to manage anxiety before it escalates into more serious mental health challenges.
The book’s approach combines entertainment with education, using the relatable character of Wendy to help children understand that anxiety is a common experience and that there are effective ways to cope with worried feelings. The story format allows young readers to see anxiety from both internal and external perspectives, potentially helping children better understand their own experiences as well as develop empathy for classmates who may be struggling.
As Schmidt prepares for the book’s publication, she is working to build awareness and interest among parents, educators, and mental health professionals who work with elementary-aged children. The author’s mailing list offers updates on the book’s release.
The timing of “Wendy and the Worry Warts” addresses a critical gap in children’s literature, providing age-appropriate mental health resources at a time when schools and families are increasingly recognizing the importance of emotional wellness alongside academic achievement.
