MERRIMACK – Who better to relate with children beset by worries that may derail their happiness than someone who shared those anxieties in the not-too distant past?

At age 18, Merrimack’s Melinda Rolls has published a children’s book meant to ease what, for many, is a desperate climb toward adulthood.

The book is “Worry Stars: Helping Children Mindfully Cope With Worries.” Rolls wrote and illustrated the book, drawing on advice she learned from Dr. Susan Yardley, a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children with anxiety disorders.

“As a kid, I struggled with anxiety,” Rolls said. “Most adults tend to think kids are fine. For my case, when I was 5 or 6, I was really anxious about everything, sad all the time. Even if it’s just minimal worries, going to school, asking for help on a math problem, it can be a lot. Kids should be given the resources to deal with that. I wanted to tell kids everyone goes through it, and here’s something that can help.”

“I was very excited about Melinda’s project because so many children struggle with anxiety and often feel alone with their worries,” Yardley said. “I am certain that children will enjoy the story line along with the adorable illustrations. Melinda had a vision about what she wanted to create and worked with great independence to achieve her goal. She sought consultation to verify the accuracy of the information she presented and to seek editing feedback prior to her final draft.”

Rolls’ project earned her the Girl Scouts Gold Award, the highest honor available to Scouts in grades 9-12.

The book’s plot features an alien named Leo who feels what he calls “stars buzzing inside him” when he worries. His friend Gerald helps him with mindfulness exercises, and the story ends with the thought that when you look up at the night sky you are seeing each worry star that’s been overcome by someone.

Yardley noted Rolls’ growth as the 18-year-old, now a freshman at Rutgers University, worked on the book.

“She demonstrated her own resiliency as she completed her senior year of high school during a pandemic, worked part-time teaching gymnastics, applied and was accepted to several colleges, and wrote and illustrated a fabulous children’s book in her spare time,” she said.

A journalism student, Rolls’ goal upon her Rutgers graduation is to become a television news anchor.