Is "Guts" the book too old for my kid & other anxiety book recommendatio

Post date: 2019-11-10 12:44:25

My 4 yo saw the book Guts today at target and fixated on it; I want to give him language to talk about his anxiety but I don't want to feed / seed it either. Is the book too old for him? And what other books would you recommend for parenting an anxious kid?

My 4yo has some sensory issues, is bright, and cripplingly reserved in new social situations. Clings to his one friend at preschool and has an awful day if that kid isn't there. Won't talk to new kids even if they are warm and outgoing and completely safe and talk to him first. Won't budge at birthday parties unless he knows every single kid. (Eventually warms up after 45min and lots of parental coaching). Even seeing his own friend (who graduated to kindergarten) after a month absence leaves him reserved. I'm nervous for when he goes to kindergarten next year... everyone will be new and he will flip out. He also seems to gravitate towards kids who put out negative energy... like he kinda wants a fight. The nice confident outgoing kids leave him withdrawing and even worse, he openly criticizes them.

Anyways he fixated on the book like it seemed to speak to him (we briefly read the part where she eats kimchi and gets farty but is embarrassed about it). I love when he loves books and want to get it for him so we can open up the conversation but I don't want him to learn to be more anxious from it, since he's completely influenced by those around him.

What books can I get for him, and for myself as a parent to get strategies on how to help him deal.

Thanks metafilter. I'm nervous and out of my comfort range and only a so-so parent at best.

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