Wilf the Mighty Worrier: Saves the World

Gr 3–5—This British import will engage reluctant and avid readers alike with its wit and humor, despite the Briticisms. Wilf is an amusing and relatable character whose anxiety, or great "Big Old Worries," often leaves him questioning himself. When a strange man named Alan moves in next door, Wilf's mother sends him over to welcome the new neighbor—with his "How to Stop Worrying" leaflet in hand and his sticky sister, Dot, tagging along. It turns out that Alan's set on destroying the world with his "great big gun thingy," and though Wilf would rather hide under his blanket, it's up to him to save the day The lack of overly technical or scientific terminology, coupled with the illustrations, will engross readers further into the story as they laugh at Alan's ineptitude. Each bumbling mistake makes Wilf just a little bit braver, which makes this a wonderful choice for young readers prone to their own great big old worries. Wilf's story ends neatly but with a promise of a new and unique excursion in a second installment.