This Will Pass: A Story of Mindful Resilience by J. Donnini, illustrated by Luke Scriven, is a beautiful allegory for helping children navigate the unknown — and their fears about it. Parents and educators take note: this book works on two levels at once, as an engaging story and as a gentle teaching tool.
The story follows young Crue, who's about to embark on an ocean voyage with his Great Uncle Ollie. Crue is excited, but he can't help worrying:
"What if the boat breaks?"
"What if an octopus swallows us?"
"What if whales take over the boat?"
Despite these nagging concerns, Crue takes the helm with Uncle Ollie. At first the seas are calm — but the water does turn rough as a storm descends, and the waves begin to crash and swirl around them.
"Rather than dismissing Crue's fears or assuring him nothing bad will happen, the story acknowledges that the world can indeed be worrisome — even dangerous."
Crue becomes very distressed, but key to the story is how Uncle Ollie comforts him: by first acknowledging Crue's fears, then teaching calming strategies like breathing, singing, and repeating the mantra, "This will pass." What sets this book apart from many anxiety-focused children's books is its validation of worry as a legitimate feeling. Because Uncle Ollie doesn't eliminate Crue's fears, there is genuine space to teach Crue how to navigate difficulty using mindfulness tools.
Luke Scriven's illustrations complement this approach with honesty. They express the kinds of emotions children may recognize in themselves — the visual journey through stormy seas and calmer waters mirrors the inner experience of working through anxiety. By the end, Crue must captain his own way home, having internalized what Uncle Ollie shared. This progression honors children's capacity for growth and resilience.
J. Donnini's background in music comes through in the lyrical quality of her writing. The mantra "Be calm, it will pass" is memorable and easy for children to repeat and retain — a practical comfort grounded in impermanence. Some may identify this as a Buddhist teaching; others will simply recognize it as a healthy coping behavior for difficult feelings that are temporary. Either way, the message lands.
For parents, educators, or therapists seeking books that validate children's fears and worries while providing constructive coping tools, This Will Pass is an excellent choice. It empowers children by affirming their emotions and equipping them with strategies to weather life's inevitable storms.
Books that address mental health challenges can be a doorway and a tool — but this book and this review are not prescriptive. This Will Pass is not a replacement for mental health care, professional guidance, or treatment, especially for children experiencing serious anxiety disorders or trauma.