I recently read What to Do with Your Whirly, Swirly Thoughts by Jennie Allen with my kids, and it was such a meaningful and engaging experience, especially for my 6-year-old. The book is all about helping children understand that they have control over their thoughts—even the scary, anxious, or mean ones that sometimes pop into their heads. With whimsical illustrations by Nadia Gunawan and a message rooted in biblical truth, the book teaches kids that God created their amazing brains with a purpose and that they have the power to take their thoughts captive and use them for good. My 6-year-old was immediately drawn to the colorful, playful artwork, but it was the message that really stuck with him.

What I loved most was how the book made such a big concept—managing your thoughts—feel accessible and even fun for young kids. My 6-year-old has been going through a phase where he gets stuck on worries or negative thoughts, and this book gave him a tangible way to think about those “whirly, swirly” feelings. He loved the idea of being the “boss” of his thoughts and would excitedly tell me, “I’m not going to let the mean thoughts stay in my head!” It was amazing to see him grasp such an important life skill in a way that felt empowering rather than overwhelming. The book also sparked some great conversations about how God wants to help us use our thoughts for good, which was a beautiful way to connect faith with everyday struggles.

✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.