It’s time once again for another edition of Nonna’s Corner where I share books I’ve read with my grandchildren affectionately referred to as the Royals. Today’s tale is a Carefree Ollie Book, Ollie’s Backpack by Riya Aarini.
by Riya Aarini
Illustrator: Virvalle Carvallo
Series: Carefree Ollie #1
Genres: Childrens
Pages: 38
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Ollie carries his backpack wherever he goes. Soon enough, it starts to fill up with worries, from his favorite broken toy to his wilted sunflower. Eventually, he starts to feel the weight of his cares. What does Ollie do? He figures out what is too heavy to carry around. As his backpack becomes overly stuffed with woes, Ollie learns to let them go. Be a part of Ollie's heartening journey toward discovering what cares to hold onto and which ones to let go! Pick up this delightfully illustrated early reader for your little worry wart!
Both Royals were excited by the cover of Ollie’s Backpack, illustrated by Virvalle Carvallo. In this tale we spend the day with Ollie as his backpack becomes full of worries. A clever tale that helps children learn about worries and the weight they carry.
Ollie’s backpack starts out light and filled with outstanding things like paper to make airplanes, pencils and a dragon picture. The story talks about what can go in the backpack and what can’t. For example, a Walrus cannot. Thi had the Royals giggling with laughter. Clayton, three, declared the Walrus, “too big!”
Throughout the day, Ollie’s backpack became heavier and heavier. Each thing light or small held weight related to how Ollie felt about them. A broken toy that a bully hit him with, a rejected granola bar and a wonky wheel.
Sophia, five, quickly became attuned to the unpleasant feelings tied to objects going in the backpack. While I am not sure she understood the full message of this story, it opened the door to talk about them and her retelling assured me she understood in the simplest of terms that carrying the weight of worries everywhere isn’t good and that we can control how much we allow ourselves to carry.
Perfect for your bookshelf or classroom through Ollie’s Backpack offers an opportunity for discussion. What worries does your little one carry? The answers might surprise you.
- Age Range: 5 – 7 years
- Grade Level: Kindergarten – 2
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Carla
I really like the sounds of this one. My grandkids would probably love it and with my grandson’s anxiety issues, I always look for fun books that might help him let go a little bit. Great review Kimberly.
Kimberly
This would be a wonderful one for him, Carla.
Nadene
This sounds adorable, and I love that it allows the reader to think and recognize what worries they may be burdened with.
Kimberly
Yep, there were lessons for the adults too 🙂
sjhigbee
What a lovely book – it sounds as if there is lots of scope for all sorts of useful chats that grannies and their grandchildren have…
Kimberly
Yes, they’ve asked to read it over and over and I love when I hear them relate to the story in their daily life.
Melliane
Oh it sounds nice!
Nick @ The Infinite Limits of Love
I love that you share your love of books with the little ones, Kim! It is so sweet and makes my heart melt! <3
Kimberly
Thanks Nick. I did the same with my own and they all enjoying reading.
Nicci @ Sunny Buzzy Books
This sounds adorable! I love how they portrayed how worries can way you down. 🙂
Kimberly
Yes, it was clever. I am looking to sharing more from this author.