“Hey Warrior” is a beautifully illustrated and deeply supportive book that helps young children understand what anxiety actually feels like and why their bodies react the way they do.
Rather than presenting anxiety as something to be “fixed,” the book shows children that anxiety comes from a place of protective strength, their inner nervous system warrior, who is trying to keep them safe, even when the threat isn’t real.
- Title: “Hey Warrior: A Book for Kids about Anxiety “
- Written by: Karen Young
- Illustrated by: Norvile Dovidonyte
- Age Group: 5 – 12 years
- Links to MTOP
- Principles: Equity, inclusion and high expectations
- Practices: Children and young people have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Outcome 3: Children and young people have a strong sense of wellbeing
Why It’s Powerful
What makes this book especially powerful for young readers is its ability to explain complex feelings in simple, relatable language. It introduces the idea of the brain’s “warrior” (the amygdala) as a friendly, protective part of the brain that sometimes sounds alarm bells when there’s no danger, like a smoke alarm going off when the toast is just a bit too brown.
The narrative gently guides children through why we feel anxious (physical sensations like butterflies, tight chest, racing thoughts) and what we can do to manage it, from breathing strategies to understanding that anxiety isn’t something to be ashamed of. Many families and educators have shared that “Hey Warrior” helps children not only recognise their feelings but also feel empowered to talk about them and practise calming strategies together.
The illustrations by Norvile Dovidonyte add warmth and humour, helping to break down intimidating concepts into approachable, engaging visuals that children can connect with. This makes “Hey Warrior” a wonderful resource for read-aloud sessions, group discussions or as a gentle personal reference for children navigating big emotions.
Why We Love It
- Explains anxiety in a way children can understand
- Encourages emotional awareness and self-regulation
- Reinforces that everyone experiences anxiety sometimes
- Supports calm conversations between educators, children and families
“Hey Warrior” isn’t just a story, it’s an invitation for children to feel seen, understood and capable of handling their big feelings with the support of trusted adults by their side.
