This Will Pass - by J Donnini (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A gentle but powerful picture book that validates childhood anxiety and gives families a simple, repeatable mantra: "Be calm, it will pass."

Featured in CBCBook's The Heart Remembers Spring 2026 Showcase

A 2023 Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year

"Unlike many picture books that seek to comfort young audiences by assuring them that their apprehensions are unfounded, Donnini's quiet prose shows readers that worry is a feeling as valid as any other . . . the world is an increasingly worrisome place, and books like this one, that offer simple acknowledgement of this fact, are just as essential as those that offer elaborate escape. Timely assurance of the impermanence of life's difficulties." --Kirkus Reviews

A young boy and his great-uncle set sail for the magical island of Mashore, but storms and uncertainty stir fear along the way. With each wave, Uncle Ollie offers the same steady reassurance: "Be calm, it will pass." A gentle, affirming picture book that validates anxiety while offering children a simple, empowering message about resilience and emotional regulation. Includes an author's note for caregivers.

Review Quotes

A young boy joins his great-uncle on a marvelous and fraught sailing adventure.

Crue is a little worried. His favorite uncle is taking him on a magical journey to the island of Mashore, but the trip will be long, and so much could go wrong in a boat on the sea. When storms and churning seas toss the pair's small craft, Crue holds tight to Uncle Ollie, who assures him that the upheaval and fear won't last forever--"Be calm, it will pass." Throughout the journey's ups and downs, dangers and thrills, Uncle Ollie's refrain helps quell Crue's fears, especially when Crue must make the return journey on his own. Unlike many picture books that seek to comfort young audiences by assuring them that their apprehensions are unfounded, Donnini's quiet prose shows readers that worry is a feeling as valid as any other. A thoughtful author's note offers some anxiety-reduction tips for caregivers. Scriven's lively illustrations strike an impressive balance between exuberance and softness, rollicking spreads and stark white space, providing a vibrant landscape of imaginative play as well as very real emotion. Crue and Uncle Ollie have tan skin and straight brown hair, while the small secondary cast has varying skin tones. Readers won't find depth of plot or a heavy veil of metaphor here; the world is an increasingly worrisome place, and books like this one, that offer simple acknowledgement of this fact, are just as essential as those that offer elaborate escape. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Timely assurance of the impermanence of life's difficulties.(Picture book. 2-6)

About the Author

J. Donnini is a children's book author, professional daydreamer, and mother, which she considers her most important job. She spent many years studying and writing music, and transitioned to strictly writing for children when her son was born in 2007. Musical and lyrical quality can always be found in her picture books.

Joy's stories focus on kindness, empathy, diversity, and love and respect for each other and this beautiful planet that we all share. She also addresses social emotional issues such as anxiety and worry. Joy wants not only to entertain, but also to empower the young readers.

Her published works include Ruby Lee, Echoes, Fireflies, The Spirit Bunnies, Patches and the Spirit Bunnies, and Rock and the Fly. She has been a featured author at several reading events, book festivals, and stores such as Barnes & Noble, where she creates interactive fun experiences to bring the children into the magical world of storybooks she creates. Joy can be found online at www.jdonninibooks.com