Let's Talk About Feeling Afraid

Author: Joy Berry; Illustrated by Maggie Smith

Type or emotional/crisis issue(s) addressed: Fear, anxiety

Year of Publication: 1995

Publisher & Location: Scholastic; New York City, NY

ISBN#: 0-590-62384-2

Target Age Level: Lower Elementary, can be used with some Upper Elementary

# of Pages: 32

Quality of Illustrations: colorful images, Asian family

Brief Summary: Told from perspective of pet mouse (Squeaky) of a boy named Kim. Talks about things Kim is afraid of and how to avoid feeling afraid. Also validates that it is okay to feel afraid.

Personal Comments/Biases, and/or Things to Consider When Using This Book With Children: I used these books when working K-6 (used it mostly with K-2) children who had excessive fears or anxiety. I like that the family is culturally diverse (for this area), it defines fear. It also talks directly to the reader about what people might feel in their bodies when afraid (very important for children to understand), but then talks about how to overcome the fears.

Activity:
Give the child an outline of a body. Have them color in the body (with a color of their choice) where they feel fear in their own bodies. Talk about fear, what they are afraid of, and have them draw what they can to do be less afraid.