Worried Whippet by Jess Bolton - Book Review
(This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you)
Inspired by the author’s own anxious rescue dog, Jess, Worried Whippet is a gorgeous book that inspires readers to be brave in the face of every day anxieties.
While this book has been on my radar for a while, I was prompted to finally pick it up by the sad death of both Jess and her rescue brother Otto. Passing away within months of each other, their short but love filled lives are a reminder that there’s no shame in feeling anxious, and that we can all be brave in ways that feel manageable to us.
The book itself follows Jess the whippet as she navigates a world that fills her with fear. As the story progresses, Jess meets a new friend and learns with his encouragement that life isn’t as unmanageable as it seems. It’s a beautiful message that’s easily translatable to the everyday lives of humans and their dogs, in a world that often feels increasingly uncertain.
You might recognise Jess from her social media, @worriedwhippet on Instagram and TikTok, which documents her journey with her rescue brother Otto. The book is as delightful as their social media posts, complete with beautiful illustrations by Anna Pirolli.
A short read, this is something that you’ll easily finish in half an hour on a quiet afternoon, but you’ll find your thoughts returning to time and time again. It’s also enjoyable for all ages; profound enough for adults to enjoy and cute enough for little eyes to be enamoured with.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a loved one, or a hopeful new read for your collection, I highly recommend picking up a copy of the Worried Whippet.
Want to know more? Here’s the book’s synopsis:
“There's so much to be anxious about in this world: meeting new people, unfamiliar sounds, and worst of all, the seagulls that try to steal your chips. Worried Whippet counters that anxiety with humor and heartfelt inspiration.
Worried Whippet is a whimsically illustrated book that inspires you to take a cue from one anxious little dog, to muster up your courage, and step out into the world with hope. Follow along as one fearful little whippet named Jess, made popular on TikTok and Instagram, journeys out of her cozy bed to join her friends and conquer all the things that scare her most.
In these pages, you fill find: simple, yet profound, short stories on bravery, featuring Jess and her friends, encouraging messages for adults coping with anxiety (that kids will also understand), inspiration for overcoming irrational fear and becoming a little braver every day, musings on friendship, love, and happiness, and illustrations featuring English beaches and countrysides that will translate worry into whimsy for adults and kids.
You can buy a copy of The Worried Whippet for yourself here.