A wise wombat for worried times: New Australian children's book helping kids navigate anxiety, bullying and big feelings
Bronwyn Frazer
Children today are growing up in a world that feels louder, faster and more overwhelming than ever before, but most still don’t have the language to express what they’re feeling.
From playground bullying to post-pandemic anxiety, global uncertainty and the pressures of growing up online, many kids are quietly struggling.
A new Australian children’s book is helping change that, one gentle, powerful question at a time.
Wilson says ‘What if…?’ by author Bronwyn Frazer is an interactive, full-colour wellbeing book designed to help children aged from 5 to 12 to build resilience, emotional intelligence and self-trust.
At the heart of the story is Wilson, a wise wombat from the Blue Mountains, who guides children through seven simple but powerful life ideas, reframing the question “What if?” from fear into possibility.
Frazer was inspired to write the book as a follow-up to her 2025 release for adults, What if…? after many readers told her they wished they’d had a similar resource when they were younger.
“So many grown-ups told me they’d never stopped to ask those deep questions or really reflect on their feelings, and I’ve seen how the kids in my life can struggle to express what they’re feeling,” says Frazer.
“I’ve written this book to give them a safe, simple way to explore their worries and realise they’re not alone.”
Wilson arrives at a critical moment, with children today navigating:
-
Increased exposure to distressing world events
-
The lingering emotional impact of COVID-era stress and cost-of-living stress in households
-
Rising concerns around bullying both in-person and online
-
Over-reliance on screens for connection and validation
At the same time, many adults are searching for ways to support children without overwhelming them. Frazer’s approach is deliberately simple, gentle and empowering.
“We don’t always get what we want. Not everyone will like us. Life can feel hard,” she says. “But kids can learn they’ll be OK and that they can trust themselves.”
Unlike traditional children’s books, Wilson says ‘What if…?’ is designed to be interactive.
Each section includes prompts and space for children to write, reflect and share, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations between children and the adults in their lives.
One parent who read the book with her children shared: “It’s been incredibly powerful in helping my kids talk about how they feel. My five-year-old keeps coming back to it and even started asking me what makes me happy and sad.”
Another reader described it as “A truly beautiful, imaginative and significant book that has captivated three generations in our family.”
Designed as both a story and a practical tool, it offers what many adults are looking for: a simple way to open up meaningful conversations with children.
-
100% created, illustrated and printed in Australia
-
Hand-drawn, watercolour illustrations to support emotional engagement
-
Designed as a keepsake children can revisit over time
Beyond emotional wellbeing, the story also gently encourages connection to nature and respect for Australian wildlife through its much-loved wombat narrator.
Wilson says ‘What if…?’ is available online and from selected retailers and bookshops.
Media opportunities
Bronwyn Frazer is available for interviews and commentary on:
-
Helping children navigate anxiety, bullying and big emotions
-
Why kids need “safe adults” beyond their parents
-
The lasting emotional impact of COVID on children
-
How to build resilience and emotional intelligence early
-
Why simple tools are what kids need most
About us:
Bronwyn Frazer is an author, health writer and holistic nutritionist based in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia. With a background in communications, psychology and counselling, she brings a deep understanding of emotional wellbeing to her work. Wilson says ‘What if…?’ is her third book.
Contact details:
Contact: Erin Huckle [email protected] / 0432 213 506
