Rhyan is anxious about her karate class. She is almost late, storm clouds are gathering, and it is about to rain. As she puts on her gi and ties her yellow belt, her heart flutters, and there are butterflies in her stomach. Everything is ready except that she can’t find her lanyard. It is not just any lanyard. It is her Happy Thoughts Lanyard, and she uses it when she feels close to panicking. She checks her room, under the bed, and even the hook where she always keeps it. But it is nowhere to be found. No matter where she and Mom look, it just isn’t there. Rhyan begins to get anxious and feels overwhelmed. Can Rhyan manage her thoughts and still make it to karate in Panic and the Happy Thought by Kelley M Likes?

The beautiful, emotive illustrations by Anne Soderborg visually convey Rhyan’s thoughts and emotions. One such moment is when Rhyan takes deep breaths; the font gets progressively smaller and shifts from a raging red to a calm blue. At its heart, Panic and the Happy Thought is about anxiety and kind-heartedness. Kelley M Likes focuses on healthy ways to cope with anxiety, such as taking deep, calming breaths, having a support system, like Mom, and visualizing happy thoughts. The book also concludes with helpful tips on managing anxiety, along with a practical session that guides readers in creating their own Happy Thoughts Lanyards. This is a superb addition to the library of every parent and child who deals with anxiety.

Reviewed by Mimie Odigwe for Readers' Favorite