AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK HELPS KIDS NAVIGATE ANXIETY, BULLYING & BIG EMOTIONS

An Australian children’s book centred around a wise wombat from the Blue Mountains is helping young readers navigate anxiety, bullying and big emotions at a time when many children are struggling to express how they feel.

Wilson says ‘What if…?’ by Bronwyn Frazer has been designed as an interactive wellbeing book for children aged five to 12, combining storytelling, reflection and emotional learning in a gentle and accessible way.

At the heart of the story is Wilson, a thoughtful wombat who guides children through seven simple life ideas designed to reframe the question “What if?” from fear and uncertainty into curiosity and possibility.

The release comes as many families continue grappling with the emotional after-effects of the pandemic, online pressures and growing concerns around childhood anxiety and bullying.

Australian children’s book focuses on emotional resilience

Frazer said the idea for the book grew out of conversations with adults who wished they had learned emotional resilience skills earlier in life.

The children’s release follows her 2025 adult title, What if…?, which sparked strong reader feedback reflecting on their own emotional experiences.

“So many grown-ups told me they’d never stopped to ask those deep questions or really reflect on their feelings, and I’ve seen how the kids in my life can struggle to express what they’re feeling,” Frazer said.

“I’ve written this book to give them a safe, simple way to explore their worries and realise they’re not alone.”

The book arrives amid increasing concern about children’s mental wellbeing, particularly as younger Australians navigate rising screen time, social pressures and constant exposure to distressing global events.

Frazer said the book's message is intentionally simple.

“We don’t always get what we want. Not everyone will like us. Life can feel hard,” she said.

“But kids can learn they’ll be OK and that they can trust themselves.”

Interactive children’s book encourages family conversations

Unlike traditional storybooks, Wilson says ‘What if…?’ has been designed as an interactive experience, with prompts and reflective exercises that encourage children to write, pause, and talk about their feelings.

The format is intended to help create more natural conversations between children and the adults around them.

One parent who read the book with her children said it helped open discussions that had previously been difficult.

“It’s been incredibly powerful in helping my kids talk about how they feel,” the parent shared.

“My five-year-old keeps coming back to it and even started asking me what makes me happy and sad.”

Another reader described it as “a truly beautiful, imaginative and significant book that has captivated three generations in our family”.

Book celebrates nature and wellbeing

The book was fully created, illustrated and printed in Australia, featuring hand-drawn watercolour illustrations designed to support emotional connection and calm.

Beyond themes of emotional well-being, the story encourages children to connect with nature and Australian wildlife through its wombat narrator.

Frazer hopes the book becomes something children return to over time, rather than simply reading once and putting aside.

As conversations around childhood anxiety and resilience continue to grow, Wilson says ‘What if…?’ is positioning itself not just as a children’s story but as a practical tool for families looking for simple ways to support emotional well-being at home.