Barnaby Bright and the What-If Wobble

A heartwarming picture book that helps children understand worry, calm anxious thoughts, and discover that every scary "what if?" can have a gentler possibility waiting beside it.

Tomorrow is just a regular check-up.

Nothing unusual.

Nothing Barnaby Bright needs to worry about.

At least, that is what everyone says.

But when the lights go out and Barnaby closes his eyes...

The what-ifs begin.

What if it hurts?

What if something goes wrong?

What if Barnaby gets scared?

One what-if becomes another.

And another.

Until something buzzy, restless, and impossible to ignore starts growing inside him.

Then the Wobble appears.

It is violet.

It is jittery.

And with every new what-if, it seems to buzz a little louder.

Barnaby Bright and the What-If Wobble is a gentle, reassuring story that helps young children understand worry and those racing thoughts that can appear when something unfamiliar or uncertain is coming.

As Barnaby learns to name his worry, take a slow breath, and answer frightening what-ifs with calmer possibilities, children discover a simple way to look at uncertain situations differently.

What if it hurts?

Maybe.

But...

What if it doesn't?

What if the doctor is kind?

What if Barnaby is braver than he thinks?

And what if everything turns out completely okay?

Why families will love this book:

• Helps children recognise and understand worry and anxious thoughts
• Introduces a simple, age-appropriate way to challenge frightening "what ifs"
• Encourages children to consider calmer and more realistic possibilities
• Supports confidence when facing unfamiliar or uncertain situations
• Opens meaningful conversations between children and grown-ups about worries
• Combines emotional learning with warmth, reassurance, and lovable characters

Perfect for children who are:

• Nervous before doctor or dentist visits
• Experiencing worries when bedtime becomes quiet
• Frequently asking "what if?" about things that might happen
• Feeling anxious before unfamiliar events or new experiences
• Learning gentle ways to manage worried thoughts

Ideal for bedtime reading, preparing for doctor or dentist appointments, first days, travel, new experiences, classrooms, family story time, or anytime children find themselves worrying about what might happen next.

Includes a page of gentle guidance for parents and caregivers on supporting children through anticipatory worry and helping them explore calmer alternatives to frightening what-if thoughts.

Product Details

Recommended Age: 3–6 years
Format: Paperback Picture Book
Pages: 32 full-colour pages
Size: 8.5 × 8.5 inches
Language: English
Series: Book Fourteen of the Barnaby Bright series

A comforting story that reminds every child that our minds can imagine scary possibilities, but those are not the only possibilities. For every worried "what if?", there may also be a hopeful "what if it's okay?"

Help your little one face uncertain moments with calmer thoughts, growing confidence, and a little more courage. Order your copy today.

Please note: Cover and interior artwork shown are concept illustrations. The final printed edition may differ slightly.