Timmy is a child, just like you, who dreams of being brave, but sometimes feels anxiety at bedtime. One night, Timmy’s worries take an unexpected turn, transforming into a glowing wave of energy that just wants to play! In his dream, Timmy teams up with other children to help a buzzing bee and learns something surprising: anxiety isn’t just fear; it can also be creativity, courage, and even a superpower in disguise. Get ready for a playful, empowering story that turns fears into fun—and invites you to giggle, imagine, and dance your way to confidence and calm.
In today’s world, it’s easy for fear to take hold, often showing up as anxiety. As adults, we feel this, and, without realizing it, children around us pick up on those emotions too, mirroring our thoughts and reactions.
This is why I believe it is so important to start addressing anxiety early in our children’s lives. Even if they don’t show obvious signs of stress, every child can benefit from learning how to channel anxiety into something positive.
In this book, I invite you to see anxiety in a whole new light; a complete departure from what we have learned, even in therapy. Instead of thinking of it as something we need to battle, something to suppress or defeat—keeping us locked in a constant cycle of fight-or-flight—let’s think of it as a wave of energy. When we learn to understand and embrace this energy, it can actually work for us. This shift in perspective can be incredibly empowering and can make life’s challenges feel much more manageable.
Children are naturally creative and playful. By teaching them to use anxiety as a tool for growth, we can help them develop the resilience they need to face whatever comes their way with grace and strength. And for all of us, including our younger selves, adopting this new mindset can change how we experience and respond to anxiety forever.
I dream of a world where people can move through life with peace, but I know that real change starts with each of us. So, let’s try this new approach together. I truly believe it’s a step toward building a healthier, more balanced society.
With heartfelt warmth and care,
Aileen Nealie
Mark’s love for animation began at age three after seeing The Sword in the Stone with his grandmother. Inspired by his father, he spent his youth drawing comics and making short films. He studied at CalArts and joined Disney in 1980 as an Effects Animator, contributing to The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron, and Mickey’s Christmas Carol. He later led the Effects Animation Department on The Little Mermaid. Mark’s directing career started with an animated sequence in The Rocketeer, followed by roles on Cats Don’t Dance, The Emperor’s New Groove, and Chicken Little. He has also developed films for DreamWorks, Warner Bros., and Paramount. In 2024, Mark directed The Garfield Movie for Alcon Entertainment, reimagining the classic comic character for a new generation.