Olivia Wrapped in Vines, written by Maude Nepvev-Villeneuve and illustrated by Sandra Dumais. Translated by Charles Simard. Orca Book Publihsers. 2022. $19.95 ages 4 and up

"Later, in class, I try to do my math work
like everyone else, but I can't do the 
problems. 

"Olivia? Do you need help?"

"It's my vines. They won't let me 
think."

"Have you tried our breathing exercises?"

"They don't work."

Olivia doesn't appear to be different from the other kids in her classroom. She has freckles and brown hair; she rides a bike; she has spiffy red sneakers; and, she has a lovely stuffed lion to keep her company. The lion appears to share her feelings of sadness. Readers will know all of that by taking a careful look at the first two spreads. It isn't until they turn the page they realize Olivia is different on the inside from how she looks on the outside. Olivia has vines. She is not sure what causes the presence of those vines. She knows what they do to her. 

"My vines stop me from moving
like I want to, and when they wrap 
around me I turn into a big, spiky 
ball that no one wants to be near." 

The sadness for anxious kids is that others cannot see what is happening to them. Olivia can list those things that make her anxious. She just isn't sure how to rid herself of the feelings inside, and she knows that others cannot see her 'vines'. School seems to make things worse. An understanding teacher who offers options for dealing with what Olivia is experiencing provides some of the help needed. Being able to voice the worries is a step in the right direction.  

Olivia's first-person voice has real impact, as readers are drawn more readily to her story. Sharing a book like this in classrooms can spark important discussions, and let those who are feeling some of the same worries realize they are not alone. Now is the perfect time for showing children the mirror they need to talk about the many concerns the last two years have roused. 

In back matter, the author asks readers an important question.

"Olivia lists things that make her vines grow, such as going to the dentist or fighting with a friend. What about you? Are there specific things that make you feel anxious or worried?"