Gloria loves to sing, dance, and act in her bedroom, but not in public. No way. Gloria’s big problem makes sure of that, following her wherever she goes and constantly reminding her that she’s anxious and frightened, that she’s not good enough, and that everyone will laugh at her. Anxious Gloria worries all the time, about everything. Until, one day, Gloria summons all her courage to try out for a community theater production. She marches herself to the audition, and her big problem marches right in behind her. She gets up on stage, and her big problem takes a seat in the front row and starts to laugh at her. And then at last she yells “STOP!”, and her big problem shrinks to a little problem, and Gloria wins a part in the play. "Gloria’s Big Problem addresses the anxieties, fears and worries of children with real sympathy and understanding. With its vivid and lively illustrations full of brilliant detail, the reader will sympathize and identify with Gloria’s problem, which could so easily be a problem of their own. Both reassuring and understanding, this book will help any child defeat the big green monster." ― Gwen Grant, Armadillo "If ever there was a time when kid’s anxiety might be heightened, it’s now, so what better book to help children with their worries than this clever little story about a girl called Gloria." ― Zoe West, GoodToKnow "The book accurately depicts the way that anxiety often makes some outlandish what-ifs seem very probable and small things seem just as devastating. It also makes the case for Gloria's family and friends to treat her needs seriously, and it emphasizes that although she sometimes feels "bonkers," she definitely isn't. In the collection of books that conceptualize mental conditions, this one respects the afflicted protagonist and politely insists that others should as well. Sensitive and emotionally realistic." ― Kirkus Reviews When Gloria faces down her Big Problem, anxious kids everywhere will stand and cheer. Sarah Stiles Bright teaches college English and writes from Portland, Maine. Her deep appreciation for place, wildness, and the restorative power of the land and sea―along with her love of playful teaching―underlies much of her current writing, including essays and a children’s story based on Passamaquoddy legend. She lives with her Bernese mountain dog and has two grown children who are resoundingly present in Gloria. Mike Deas (Salt Spring Island, British Columbia) worked as a concept artist, texture artist, and art lead in the video game industry in England and California before returning to his native Canada. He is the illustrator of The Buddy Bench, Gloria’s Big Problem, and Calvin Gets the Last Word .