★ Picture-book energy

Nora and the Part That Worries

When the playground spins, someone is taking notes.

A tender verse story inspired by IFS for ages six to nine about meeting anxiety with curiosity instead of shame, and discovering that even the busiest mind can learn to breathe.

Cover: Nora and the Part That Worries — From the book

The story in a nutshell

Interior spread from the book: Nora with Scout as Scout fills a notebook with worries. — The notebook fills

Nora stands still while the world rushes past; beside her, Scout—the part that worries—scribbles every what-if in a serious race. A tender verse story inspired by IFS for ages six to nine about meeting anxiety with curiosity instead of shame, and discovering that even the busiest mind can learn to breathe.

From the story

The playground pause

The playground hummed like a hive full of bees, While swings climbed the sky and blurred past the trees. Nora stood like a stone in the middle of play, With Scout at her shoulder, listing fears of the day.

A heartfelt shift

Thanks and a boundary

"Thank you for caring," Nora said, and she meant it, "I'll listen once closely — I won't just resent it. We'll check what is real, then we'll choose what to do, so worry can rest while I play and grow too."

Finding balance

Everywhere she looks

Now everywhere Nora looks, colors can bloom, there's room for the worry, there's room for the room. She won't banish Scout — nor let Scout steer alone, she leads with her body, and Scout walks her home.

A moment of yearning

Go away

"Please hush," whispered Nora. "Please don't be here. I want to be normal. I don't want to fear." She pushed the thoughts down and she wished Scout would fly, and buried the buzzing beneath a brave lie.

A gentle exploration of feelings

Beside the story

April 10, 2026

Note

Nora and The Part That Worries invites families to explore the landscape of feelings through the eyes of Nora and her ever-watchful companion, Scout. As they navigate the vibrant chaos of the playground, Nora's attempts to quiet her worries lead to a deeper understanding of herself and her fears. This story highlights that while worries can feel overwhelming, they often come from a place of love and concern.

Using the Internal Family Systems framework, the book encourages children to acknowledge their worries rather than dismiss them. It shows that worries can be protective, but when ignored, they can grow louder and more chaotic. Nora learns to listen to Scout, understanding that it's okay to feel anxious and that she doesn't have to face her fears alone.

This book serves not just as a story for children, but also as a tool for parents to foster conversations about feelings and fears. It opens up a safe space for children to express their anxieties and for parents to respond with understanding and compassion. Our hope is that every reading provides a shared vocabulary to discuss the complexities of emotions, leading to resilience and connection.

Quick answers

Why does Scout keep listing scary "what ifs"? Isn't that just making Nora more anxious?

Scout's listings serve to highlight real concerns, acting as a protective voice. It's not about increasing anxiety but acknowledging potential dangers.
Is the book saying it is bad to reassure my child?

Not at all! The book shows that reassurance can sometimes feel dismissive. It's important to balance comfort with validation of feelings.
Should children "push worries away"?

The story suggests that instead of pushing worries away, it's healthier to acknowledge and understand them. This promotes emotional growth.
My child does not worry much. Is this book still for us?

Absolutely! The themes of understanding emotions and communication are universal, making it relatable for all children, regardless of their worry levels.