Momma In The Mitten

Written by Deborah Diesen and illustrated by Dan Hanna

Some kids are born bold. Others feel everything a little more deeply.

And if you’ve ever watched your toddler pause before trying something new, cling a little tighter in unfamiliar spaces, or ask the same “what if?” question over and over — this book feels like a soft hand on the shoulder.

From the very first read, this story has a calm, steady rhythm that naturally draws little ones in.

The illustrations are expressive without being overwhelming, and the emotions are clear in a way even very young children can understand.

My 2.5-year-old especially loves the whale’s big, worried expressions, the gentle back-and-forth between the characters, and the reassurance that it’s okay to feel unsure.

She’ll sit all the way through this one — which, if you have a toddler, you know is saying something.

What I really appreciate as a parent is that this book doesn’t treat worry as something that needs to be fixed.

The Worry-Worry Whale isn’t rushed, scolded, or pushed to change. Instead, he’s understood.

The Pout-Pout Fish responds with patience and kindness, modeling something that feels just as reassuring for parents as it does for kids: it’s okay to feel unsure, and having support can make a difference.

Right now, my daughter enjoys this story simply as a book about sea creatures and feelings. But it also feels like one of those stories that grows with your child.

As they get older, it naturally opens the door to gentle conversations — about worry, about trying new things, and about what helps when something feels hard — without ever turning into a lesson.

This is one of those books I reach for at bedtime, especially after a long or emotional day.

It’s comforting without being heavy. Thoughtful without being instructional. And easy to come back to again and again.

Watching my daughter connect with this story has made it even more meaningful for me.

It’s become one of those books we genuinely enjoy reading together — not because it’s teaching something, but because it feels kind, calm, and safe.

📚 You can find The Pout-Pout Fish and the Worry-Worry Whale in my Amazon storefront here.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.

If you enjoyed this pick, be sure to check back every Tuesday for Turn the Page Tuesday, where I share the children’s books we’re loving lately. And if you’d like to follow along beyond books, I also share weekly posts on recipes, mom life, and everyday favorites here on the blog.