June’s Big Wave tells the story of a little girl named June who is spending a fun day at the beach with her family. Everything seems perfect until worry sneaks up on her, turning her sunny day into a swirl of “what-ifs.” June feels scared and anxious. What if the wind blows everything away? Through her imagination, she learns how to handle her worries by comparing them to waves. She learns to breathe, float, and swim through them rather than fight them. The book ends with June feeling proud and calm, and there’s even a caregiver’s guide in the back that gives parents tips for helping kids deal with anxiety too.

I really liked how this story makes something as complicated as anxiety feel easy to understand. June feels real. Her worries sound like the ones I had as a kid. The “what-ifs” idea is so clever and relatable. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the feelings, but she also doesn’t make them scary. The tone is gentle and warm, and the way June learns to face her fears feels empowering. The breathing exercise and the idea of swimming with the wave are just so smart. It’s practical, but also imaginative enough to keep a child’s attention.

The caregiver’s guide at the end caught me off guard in the best way. It’s full of real advice that makes sense, not just fluffy “stay calm” stuff. It talks about what anxiety looks like, what not to do, and how to actually help a kid work through it. I love that the book treats both the child and the adult as part of the same team. You can feel how much the author cares about kids and families. The writing is calm and kind, and it feels like a hand on your shoulder saying, “You got this.” The illustrations evoke a gentle and peaceful atmosphere, perfectly suited for a children’s picture book. The soft watercolor technique, combined with a colorful palette, creates a warm and inviting scene.

June’s Big Wave is a sweet and meaningful children’s book that balances story and support perfectly. I’d recommend it for kids ages 5 to 9 who struggle with worries or big emotions, and for parents, teachers, or counselors who want to help them. It’s not just a picture book; it’s a tool that makes you feel seen and understood. A great book to keep on the shelf for those days when the “what-ifs” roll in.

Pages: 56 | ISBN : 1968996001