Book Review
A short overview of this book
Silly Billy by Anthony Browne is a lovely little book that will help parents with talking to kids about worries (and how to manage them).
An important part of protective behaviours is to talk about feelings. So that kids can recognise, understand and manage their feelings. Which means that if they have been sexually abused or touched inappropriately, they will understand that they can talk to someone about their worries.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 4 to 7 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Silly Billy by Anthony Browne from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. This is my YouTube channel where I review a ton of books on sex education and topics like preventing sexual abuse. You can also find all the resources you need to start talking to kids about sex on my website. Today, I want to talk about a fantastic book called Silly Billy by Anthony Browne.
Let me tell you, Browne is an amazing author who writes books for kids on all sorts of topics. Silly Billy is a beautifully illustrated book that tells a great story. It’s perfect for kids who worry about things. You know, those little concerns that can sometimes weigh on their minds. This book is not only helpful for managing worry, but it’s also relevant to protective behaviors and preventing sexual abuse. If your child has experienced something inappropriate or is just feeling worried, this book can teach them that they don’t have to face it alone. Sharing their worries with someone can make a big difference.
The imagery in this book is just stunning. Billy, the main character, used to be quite the worrier. He worried about hats, shoes, flowers, rain, even giant birds! But as the story unfolds, you’ll see how Billy learns to manage his worries. He visits his grandma, who gives him some worry dolls. These little dolls are magical. You can tell them your worries and put them under your pillow, and they’ll help you sleep better. Billy starts to realize that he can also help others by sharing his worries, so they can sleep peacefully too.
I can’t say enough good things about Anthony Browne’s books. I actually have another one of his books on feminism, which is fantastic. I even sent it to my sister-in-law, who has two sons. She reads it with them to teach them the importance of helping around the house. It’s not just a job for moms, you know? Dads can pitch in too!
At the end of Silly Billy, you’ll see a transformation in Billy’s expression. He goes from looking worried to looking happy. It’s such a beautiful journey. Browne’s illustrations are truly treasures.
I hope this review has been helpful. Silly Billy is a great book to start important conversations with kids about managing worry and anxiety. It shows them that they can always talk to someone about their concerns. Just look at the cover, even Billy looks a little worried there! Anyway, I absolutely adore this author, and I think you will too. Cheers!
