Say hello to Wally.

He's loveable, in a quirky kind of way. He's vulnerable, in a loveable kind of way. And he's got oodles of worries, in a normal kind of way.

He's worried about being too cold in shorts. Fitting in at school. Leaving a pong in the toilet. Even eight-eyed cats. How will Wally cope with all his worries?

Aimed at 4-8 year-olds, Why Worry Wally? uses playful rhyme and humour to help parents and children approach the sensitive subject of anxiety, offering a positive message around having and dealing with worries.

Why Worry Wally? is more than just a picture book, with a percentage of profits from every book sold donated to aid the wonderful work of Kids Helpline, Australia’s only free 24/7 phone and online counselling service for 5-25 year-olds.

About the Author:

For over 25 years Rick forged a career as a successful copywriter. Twenty of those were as part-owner and founder of Tank, a creative agency that strived to make a meaningful difference through their work. Carrying on this ethos, Rick left Tank to pursue his passion for picture book writing, and through drawing on his own experience wrote his first picture book, Why Worry Wally? to help kids talk about and cope with their worries and anxiety. Rick is a strong advocate for mental health, in particular anxiety in children and men, and is passionate about de-stigmatising issues around mental health.

About the Illustrator:

Discovered by The Rebecca Hossack Gallery London/ New York, award-winning Melbourne based artist Jackie Case has exhibited globally including solo shows in London, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, and international art fairs, including, Toronto, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Paris. Recognised for her super detailed pencil work, each piece is painstakingly intricate with minuscule detail. Jackie's illustrations have also graced multiple publications such as 'Colour Melbourne', 'Flying Penguins' and the children's book 'Just in Case'.