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He wanted to be glad.
He wanted a song
That would be his own."
Young Kaleb is filled with worry. Mom and Dad are preoccupied with his new baby brother, and he struggles with friendships at school. Enter Grandma Annie to the rescue. Kaleb's friends want him to be a zombie for Halloween, but he is hesitant because such creatures are "scary and mean." In a story-within-a-story format, Grandma Annie shares the tale of a young Zombee whose friends, the Ghostees, ultimately accept the title character—not because he changes himself to please their expectations, but because Little Z is true to himself and grounded in kindness, caring, and sharing. Through a blue, dream-like storm of rain and icy wind, a "bright, pure" snowflake-creature kisses Little Z, sending him peace, positive thinking, and music.
Kaleb and Grandma share a strong bond, as she engages his imagination through creative storytelling, affirming that his classmates ultimately like him for being precisely who he is. He can choose to be a zombie—like Little Z in Grandma's story, neither mean nor scary—or choose another character entirely. True friendships come from being brave enough to let others experience one's authentic self. Hannon's book creates a safe space between Kaleb and his grandma, where honest feelings are shared freely. Issues of worry, fitting in at school, and being torn about what others expect are common and natural, to which young readers can relate.
A shared reading experience between a parent (or grandparent) and a child explores these themes, promoting healthy dialogue about worries and fears a child might be experiencing in real life. Hannon further offers creative ways for families to discuss such issues, applying child-appropriate strategies that extend beyond these pages. Thus, this is more than a fun story with imaginative artwork. It provides applicable, insightful guidance for "kids with worries," as Hannon writes, to help navigate everyday childhood challenges.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review