Nobody likes throwing up. But for some children, the worry about it can start taking up a whole lot of space.

I wrote Tummy Troubles to help children who experience emetophobia—the fear of vomiting—feel understood and less alone. Through Gretchen’s story, young readers meet a character who shares their worries and learns a way to work through them. The book introduces GRIP, a simple, memorable approach to diaphragmatic breathing that I developed to help children respond to anxiety.

Warm and accessible, Tummy Troubles gives children and the adults who care for them a starting point for talking about a fear that can be difficult to explain. It opens the door to understanding, connection, and support—one conversation at a time.