Thrilled to share that Gary and Gibby’s Swirling, Twirling, Whirling Worries launch party was a huge success! Thanks to my family and friends who made it happen! Wishing you a worry-free heart.

Meet Gary and Gibby

Gary worries about school and new experiences. His surprise puppy, Gibby, is scared of so many things including loud noises, car rides and big dogs. As Gary focuses on soothing Gibby’s fears with reassuring walks, words, and cuddles, Gary’s own worries begin to disappear.

“Gary and Gibby’s Swirling, Twirling, Whirling Worries” is an engaging story and is ideal for developing readers, particularly in grades K-2.

“Anxiety is the most common - and most treatable - of all childhood developmental disorders. But how to help? First, we need to validate a worried child's emotions by giving these feelings a name. Second, we need to convey optimism in the child's ability to control their anxiety. In her warm and readable book, Gary and Gibby’s Swirling, Twirling, Whirling Worries, author Tina Rafowitz does both. In the book, an anxious boy and an anxious dog help each other through some commonly stressful situations. It provides just the right balance of understanding and hope. As a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, I enthusiastically recommend it.”

- Dan Shapiro, M.D., Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician

Additional resources for children who worry and the adults who care for them:

  • “Anxiety-Free Kids” by Bonnie Zucker

  • “Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically

    Proven Program for Parents” by Eli R. Lebowitz

  • “Helping Your Anxious Child” by Ronald Rapee, et al.

  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

    (www.aacap.org)

  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America

    (www.aada.org)

  • National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov)

Tina Charles Rafowitz

Lover of family, friends, and fun

Meet the Author

After raising two kids and a shih-poo with separation anxiety, I found myself with an empty nest and a mind brimming with ideas. Having published several essays about my dog, Gibby, I set my sights on a children’s book. I hope it helps both children and their furry friends who struggle with worries.

I know you will fall in love with Gary and Gibby!

Meet Gibson, aka Gibby

I met Gibby as a 12-week-old pup, the last of his litter to be adopted. “He’s not the bravest” were the last words that we heard as I picked him up, snuggled with him, and brought him to his furrrever home.

As a fellow worrier, Gibby’s fears and anxieties became a learning tool for me. For almost 17 years, we faced the world together, weathering real storms and those swirling, twirling, and whirling in our minds.

Cheers to Gibby and his enduring spirit!