“Under the twinkling lights of Starbrook Elementary School, happy laughter bubbled up from room 241. This was Mrs. Pickleberry’s 4th-grade classroom,” begins South Preston teacher Danielle Albright’s recently self-published children’s book, “Marigold Worries.”
The book tells the story of Marigold, a fourth-grade student who struggles with anxiety surrounding classroom activities like timed tests or presentations. Marigold and her teacher, Mrs. Pickleberry, work together to establish resources and strategies to help manage this anxiety, helping Marigold feel more comfortable and confident.
The story is based on one of Albright’s past students, fifth grader Lylah Nestor.
“Lylah was a fourth grader last year in my classroom, and I noticed that she was having some issues with worrying. So we decided together to create a plan that would help her in the classroom,” said Albright. “With that plan, I realized how much it had worked for her. So, I thought that I shouldn’t keep this a secret; it should be something that is shared with anyone who has an issue such as worrying in the classroom.”
Albright has been teaching for 14 years and has taught fourth grade for nine of those years. Albright always knew she wanted to teach, and writing a children’s book has been another goal of hers. When she noticed Nestor’s struggles last year, she felt inspired to help other children cope with their anxieties and realize that anything can be overcome with a helping hand and confidence in yourself.
“Another reason I wrote this book is so that kids could see that anyone can write a book. You don’t have to be rich; you don’t have to be famous,” said Albright. “Sometimes they don’t see themselves as capable of doing these things, and I wanted to show my students that it’s possible. If you dream it, you can do it.”
This is only the beginning of Albright’s authorship. She has two more books in the works. One is based on her son Austin, with a story that encourages children to understand their peers with autism.
“Sometimes kids, especially new kids that don’t really know him, they don’t understand why he flaps or why he is making noise,” said Albright. “So, the book is all about why Austin does what Austin does, and it’s really for his peers.”
Albright’s third book is inspired by a student who struggles with perfectionism. It aims to help children feel secure and sure of themselves when trying new things.
“I had a little girl that struggled with perfectionism. She didn’t want to try new things because she felt like everything had to be perfect,” said Albright. “So, another story that I am working on is about a little girl that struggles with perfectionism and a plan that will help someone with that.”
“Marigold Worries” has brought positive feedback from teachers, parents, grandparents and students, and, of course, the girl with marigold-colored hair who started it all.
“I really liked it,” said Nestor. “My mom really liked it. My dad didn’t hear until later that night because he was still at work, but he really liked it, too.”
In “Marigold Worries,” after Mrs. Pickleberry and Marigold create a plan to help the student ease her anxiety at school, including asking for breaks, creating a calm place in the classroom, practicing breathing exercises and refocusing thoughts, Marigold is able to manage her anxiety as it arises.
“[Marigold] was excited to start fifth grade, knowing she had new skills to handle her anxiety. Marigold knew she could always count on Mrs. Pickleberry for help if she needed it,” the book concludes.
Albright hopes that “Marigold Worries,” along with her planned books, can help other teachers and parents support children in coping with their struggles and having compassion for their peers.
“I see these struggles, these issues, every single day in the classroom,” said Albright. “If I can come up with anything to help my students, I will do it. I felt like this was a great way to do that.
“Marigold Worries” can be purchased for $12 with $5 shipping through Albright via her Facebook page, Facebook.com/DanielleAlbrightAuthor, or on Amazon at amazon.com/Marigold-Worries-Danielle-Albright/dp/B0C9SK1R58. To keep up to date on Albright’s upcoming books, follow her Facebook page.
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