Don't Worry, Murray by David Ezra Stein
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 0062845241
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Mental Health
Format: Picture Book Fiction
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Murray is a nervous dog. He doesn’t want to go out, he doesn’t want to meet new dogs, he doesn’t really want to do anything. With the encouragement of his person (never pictured), Murray tries many new things throughout the course of the day. The book concludes with the narrator telling Murray they’re proud of him for trying new things.

This is a gentle book for nervous kids. It recognizes real fears that kids may have, and it helps them realize things aren’t always as scary as they may seem (even though scary things do happen). The mixed media illustrations really convey Murray’s emotions and his fears. The illustrations also show Murray’s thoughts so without them, the story would fall flat. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME