New Book By Summit Author Aims To Help Kids With Anxiety

SUMMIT, NJ — As a child, Rebecca Gardyn Levington always craved structure, order and rules. She found safety and comfort in predictability, and any unexpected change to her routine made her uncomfortable and sometimes sent her into a state of panic.

It wasn't until later in life that she realized these were symptoms of anxiety. Now as an adult, Levington is releasing "Whatever Comes Tomorrow" — her second published children's picture book that aims to help kids deal with anxiety.

The book is published by Barefoot Books and a video trailer can be viewed here.

"There are so many kids who struggle (like I did, and still do) with anticipatory anxiety, kids who worry constantly about what might happen tomorrow, kids who panic at any unexpected change or disruption to their normal routine, big or small – a new sibling, a friend moving away, a substitute teacher, a lockdown drill…a pandemic," Levington, an 11-year Summit resident, told Patch.

She said she decided to write this book because she wishes that as a child she knew she was not alone in her anxiety.

"I wish that I’d been offered tools to help me manage my worry-filled feelings so I could better enjoy my life and not be so afraid to try new things," Levington said.

Her new picture book uses lyrical rhyming, along with detailed illustrations by Mariona Cabassa, to reassure readers that they "have the resilience and strength to face whatever comes their way."

The book also includes specific exercises for how to manage worries to facilitate conversations between parents and their children. Levington said it was important for her to include tangible ways to navigate anxious feelings in the book.

"I wrote this book because I wish I'd had a book like this to comfort me and remind me that whatever comes tomorrow, I have the strength and resilience to get through and be okay," Levington said.

Levington's debut novel is called "BRAINSTORM!" and is illustrated by Kate Kronreif. It was released this past summer and is about getting kids excited about creating new ideas.

She also has another four picture books currently scheduled to release in 2024, and another two in the negotiation phases.

"Whatever Comes Tomorrow" comes out March 7, 2023 but is available for pre-order now anywhere books are sold.

For a personalized signed copy, people can visit this link via Words Bookstore in Maplewood: https://store.wordsbookstore.com/signed-copy-whatever-comes-tomorrow and the book will be delivered to them on release day.

Anyone interested in a “behind the scenes” look into Levington's writing life and wants to keep tabs on her upcoming books, events/appearances and giveaways, can sign up for her monthly newsletter using this link: http://eepurl.com/h2sK8X.

You can also learn more about Levington and her work via her website: www.RebeccaGardynLevington.com.

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