Set in an African jungle, a warthog realises that everyone has worries and how to handle his worries. 

What are some of your worries? Ralph the worried warthog has plenty of worries, and they all seem impossible to overcome. A hedgehog helps show Ralph that this is certainly not the case. The lion is scared of thunderstorms, the ground squirrel is nervous about preparing for winter and the frog is worried he can’t jump as high as his friends. Every animal has their own worries, and Ralph learns that a way to handle his worries is to talk about them! This story encourages empathy as it shows that we all have our own worries.

• Funny story of a warthog who’s a “worry wart” about a range of worries both large and small.
• Gives children concrete strategies for dealing with anxiety and concerns – “the best way to solve a worry was to be brave and ask for help…or at least talk about it over a huge feast.”
• Appealing and amusing watercolour illustrations complement the text.

“This sweet piece of bibliotherapy delivers uncomplicated, commonsense advice to young readers/listeners who may occasionally find themselves beset by troubling concerns. Cute, simple cartoons depict Ralph and company in a sympathetic, gently humorous, child-appealing light.” —Kirkus Reviews (U.S.)

The Author-illustrator

Lucy Pickett is originally from the southwest of England but now lives in Cambridge, UK. She studied a BA in Illustration at the Plymouth University before studying her MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. She always wanted to be an artist when she was growing up, apart from a brief period during which she wanted to be a popstar. Her first public display of artwork was on the side of a recycling truck after winning a competition when she was fourteen. When she isn’t drawing, she can be found listening to music and making friends with cute animals. Her favourite things include cups of tea and a nicely sharpened 2B pencil.

Fountas & Pinnell Guided Reading Levels

Guided Reading Level: L

Grade Level Equivalent: 2

Educational Description

Picture book, animal fantasy, SEL: Social Emotional Learning, coping with worry, Story elements: setting: Africa, plot and character development, main character, Ralph the Warthog, figurative language: metaphor, Illustrations enhance meaning and tone, Comprehension strategies: identify cause and effect relationships and changes from beginning to end of the story, make text to self connections. Themes: secrets, bravery vs fear, ask for help, support of friends & family.

Interest Age: 4 to 8 years

Reading Age: 7 to 8 years

Hardback: £10.99 · 978-1-76036-066-5

Paperback: £7.99 · 978-1-76036-203-4

Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings

World rights available, except for Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the US