Brave, Brave Mouse by Michaela Morgan

Illustrated by Michelle Cartlidge.32 p., Whitman, 2004. Sometimes, when kids are scared, they feel like they have to do everything that they're scared of. Little Mouse is scared of many things - shadows, bright light, loud noises, and silence. But sometimes, when he's scared, he can remind himself that he's brave, and that things will work out all right - for example, when he stays with a babysitter, or swims in a pool for the first time, or tries a new food, or tolerates a dental examination. he reminds himself that shadows aren't dangerous, and he can always turn on the light. But sometimes it's important for Little Mouse to make use of the information he's getting from his fears. When other mouse children tell him to do the playground stunts that they're doing, and that if he doesn't he'll be a "scaredy-mouse," and he doesn't want to do those things, he bravely refuses. Ages 3-6

Jibberwillies at Night by Rachel Vail

Illustrated by Yumi Heo. 32 p., Scholastic, 2008. Even for a happy kid like Katie, sometimes the Jibberwillies come at night. Katie is a competent child, and when that happens, she knows what to do. First, she whispers "go away." But they don't. So next, she tries thinking about nice things. But the Jibberwillies are still there. Having tried to solve the problem on her own, next, she calls her mother. Gentle and wise, her mother offers her a bucket to catch the Jibberwillies. But they're too fast and too slippery, and Katie can't catch them. She's discouraged and hopeless. But her mother has a plan. If Katie will say the Jibberwillies out loud, her mother will catch them in the bucket - and, since Katie suggests this, will throw them out the window. When they do this, Katie can sleep again. Exuberantly illustrated, this story shows kids that by using your creativity, and getting help when you need it, it's possible to feel safe even on scary nights. Ages 4-8

I'll Protect You From the Jungle Beasts by Martha Alexander

32 p., Dial, 1973. A toddler in one-piece pajamas assures his teddy bear that he'll protect Teddy from lions, tigers, and hyenas. As the child begins to feel that he's lost in the woods, the bear grows bigger and comforts the frightened child (who attributes his shaking and perspiration to fever), finally carrying him home to bed. The next morning, Teddy is back to his normal size. This story shows children at least two ways to cope with fear: to talk to themselves in a comforting way (as the boy talks to the teddy bear) and to use a comforting object (in this case, the bear). Ages 3-5

Bravery Soup by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

32 p., Whitman, 2002. When you're determined, you can discover your courage. Carlin, a little raccoon, is afraid of everything. His friend tells him he need some bravery, which he can get from Big Bear, "the bravest animal in all the land." Big Bear is making Bravery Soup, but he needs Carlin to get an important ingredient for him. To do this, Carlin has to travel alone through the a forest to a cave on a mountain, where a monster lives, and bring back a box. He's frightened, but Big Bear tells him, "You are braver than you think." His friends outfit him for the journey with things that are meant to help him, but just increase his awareness of the dangers he'll face. They worry about him, and eventually follow him into the forest. What they see convinces them that Carlin has come to danger. But it turns out that he hasn't - and in fact, the forest is a lot less dangerous than they'd led him to believe. He finds the cave, where the monster turns out to be human, and to be afraid of Carlin. Carlin realizes this possibility, and asks for the box, which he receives. He runs down the mountain, finding his friends along the way, and back to Big Bear. It turns out that the box is empty. Big Bear explains that Carlin's journey was worthwhile because he has faced his fears. "It is not what is inside the BOX that makes bravery. it is what is inside of YOU!" Carlin happily claims his bravery. This wonderful story is illustrated with charming, expressive acrylic paintings. With Carlin, children will learn that they have courage, even when it's unacknowledged. Ages 3-8

Shrinking Violet by Cari Best

Illustrated by Giselle Potter. 40 p., Farrar/Melanie Kroupa, 2001. Sometimes when you can't bear to be seen, there are ways to use your strengths to feel good about yourself. Violet is smart, talented, and creative. Because she's highly sensitive, she's not only painfully anxious about being seen, but also a keen observer and a brilliant imitator. But one of her classmates, Irwin, is particularly mean to her, and this embarrasses her, often making her wish that she could disappear. Violet's teacher comes up with a wise plan to give her a part in the school play about the solar system: she assigns her the part of Lady Space, who speaks from offstage. Violet feels capable of performing this role and is relieved that she doesn't feel like shrinking away. At the performance, Irwin (playing Mars), seems to forget what to do, and moves around the stage aimlessly. When it's time for him to speak, he's nowhere to be found. Spontaneously, Violet not only imitates his voice, but also ad-libs hilarious lines for him. Now it's Irwin's turn to be embarrassed. As Lady Space, Violet becomes the star of the show. And when Irwin resumes insulting her afterward, she finds that she doesn't feel embarrassed - instead, she feels self-confident. She knows that she's fine just the way she is. This engaging, intelligent, whimsically-illustrated story shows children that even when they feel chronically vulnerable to embarrassment, they can acknowledge, develop, and use their strengths, and ultimately, feel confident instead of ashamed. Ages 5-8

The Biggest, Meanest, Ugliest Dog in The Whole Wide World by Rebecca C. Jones

Illustrated by Wendy Watson. 32 p., Macmillan, 1982.

Jonathan lives next door to Pirate, a very scary dog. Although he does all he can to avoid Pirate, one day he is surprised and terrified to find himself alone with him. He throws a ball at Pirate, who responds by playing with him. Once Jonathan gets to know Pirate, Pirate looks and sounds a lot less scary. This story not only shows children that something that seems scary is not so frightening when seen from a different perspective, but also, more metaphorically, shows kids that if they make friends with their fears, they'll be less scared.

Ages 3-7

Brave Bear by Kathy Mallat

24 p., Walker and Company, 1999.

In this almost wordless book, a little bear sees a bird that has fallen from its nest, and offers to help. The bear is doubtful and scared climbing up the bird's tree, but keeps on going. The bear eventually puts the bird back in the nest, and feels confident. This story encourages children to keep trying even when they think they can't do something, and shows them that courage means persisting even when they're afraid.

Ages 1-3

Jess Was the Brave One by Jean Little

Illustrated by Janet Wilson.32 p., Viking, 1991.

Claire wishes she were as brave as her sister, Jess. Jess is brave when they get shots at the doctor's office, climb trees, meet big dogs, and watch scary TV shows. She's not afraid of the dark or thunderstorms. Their father attributes Claire's fearfulness to an excessive imagination. But when bullies take Jess's teddy bear, Claire uses this imagination bravely to get them to give the bear back. This story shows children that they can be brave even though they think of themselves as fearful - and in fact, the source of their fears can also be a source of courage.

Ages 3-7

Harriet's Recital by Nancy Carlson

32 p., Carolrhoda, 2006.

Worries about performing are common among children. They will identify with Harriet, a little dog who loves her ballet class, but is terrified by the thought of a recital. As her class is dancing onto the stage, Harriet is crying, saying she can’t do it, and rejecting her teacher’s suggestion to take a deep breath. But she has to go on stage anyway, and once there, she takes two deep breaths, begins her steps, and finds herself dancing. When she is absorbed in her dance, she seems to forget all about her fear. The recital ends with compliments from her parents. The author’s vibrant, charming, illustrations clearly convey Harriet’s changing emotions. Harriet shows children that even when they’re scared, they can perform well.

Ages 3-7

Who's There? by Carole Lexa Schaefer

Illustrated by Pierr Morgan.32 p., Viking, 2011.

When you hear a noise at night, it can be scary! The little bunny in this story hears all kinds of noises, and can't help imagining that they're being made by all kinds of terrible monsters. And "if that is true, what'll we do?" The bunny, BunBun (who can be interpreted as either male or female), gets comfort from a teddy bear: when the teddy bear sits quietly, in spite of the scary noises,BunBun can too. But the noises continue, and BunBun's imagination along with them. BunBun's last guess about the monster's identity - a "Two-Headed Whiney Snoop" - turns out to be close to accurate: it's BunBun's little brother, FonFon. FonFon's pull toy had been making the scary noises - and FonFon had come to see what was the matter because he'd heard thumps and bumps, which were the sounds of BunBun jumping into bed. FonFon is scared, and gets into bed with BunBun. The scary noises have an irresistible rhythm, the monster names and illustrations are wonderfully creative (just as children's imaginations are), and repetition is used with great charm and effectiveness. And there's a delicious linguistic surprise at the end, too. The richly colored illustrations on a night-black background show BunBun's emotions and perspective so clearly that we're right there in BunBun's experience. Bringing humor and delight to a frightening situation, without in the least discounting the child's fear, this story will help children understand how fear transforms ordinary situations into dangerous-seeming ones. If your child is already very anxious at bedtime, it might be best to read this story earlier in the day, at least at first.

Ages 3-7

The Buffalo Storm by Katherine Applegate

Illustrated by Jan Ormerod. 32 p., Clarion, 2007.

The presence of a caring adult can be a powerful way to cope with fear, but what happens when that adult can't be with you? In this pioneer story, when Hallie's family prepares to move west to Oregon, she struggles with leaving her grandmother - especially since her grandmother shares, and so deeply understands, Hallie's fear of storms. Her grandmother encourages her to write letters to her about all that she sees, especially the herds of buffalo. She also gives her a special quilt and tells her she will always be with her. The first storm of the journey is terrifying. Hallie is thrown into a creek, and her father rescues her. Later in the journey, she finds herself alone with a buffalo calf that needs her help. Calling on her experience with colts and her memories of her grandmother, she helps the calf. Then, she hears a storm - but it's only the sound of a herd of buffalo running, just as her grandmother had predicted she'd see. As she gazes in awe, her fears dissolve. After the family reaches Oregon and Hallie helps her father build a cabin, her baby sister is born. She writes to her grandmother that she will protect the baby during storms just as her grandmother had protected her. She is truly carrying her grandmother with her. Illustrated in richly colored watercolor and pastel, this poetic story shows children how to keep a comforting presence with them in spite of distance.

Ages 4-8
Main character's cultural background: European American
Cultural context: European American

Who's Afraid of the Dark? by Crosby Bonsall

32 p., Harper & Row, 1980.

A little boy tells a friend that his dog, Stella, is afraid of the dark. The boy is clearly empathic about Stella's fears, although he tells her that her fear is "silly" and provides rational explanations for the scary sounds she hears. His friend advises him to teach Stella not to be afraid by hugging her. The boy is finally able to relax when Stella jumps into bed with him. This story offers empathy to children who are afraid of the dark, along with hope that a favorite animal can lessen their fear.

Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: European American
Cultural context: multicultural

Sometimes We Were Brave by Pat Brisson

Illustrated by France Brassard. 32 p., Boyds Mills, 2010.

When your mom's away, it's hard to be brave. Jerome's mom is a sailor, and she asks him to be brave when her ship goes out to sea. But when she leaves, he doesn't feel brave - he feels sad. Although he misses Mom, Dad takes good care of him and the family dog, Duffy. They maintain their normal routines, and have both happy and difficult times. Jerome looks at a picture of Mom, and makes a book for her, to cope with missing her. Dad helps him to remember that just as he's thinking about Mom, she's thinking about him. Jerome generally copes well, but his experience of stress comes out in occasional bedwetting and getting into trouble at school. When there's a pet show at school, Jerome brings Duffy, who is scared. But Duffy does what he's supposed to do. Jerome's teacher explains to him that because Duffy did what he was supposed to do, even though he was scared, he'd been brave. And Jerome realizes that he, too, has been brave in his mother's absence. Now he can anticipate a joyful reunion with her. Children will find empathy, acceptance, and encouragement in this sensitively-told story.

Ages 4-8
Main character's cultural background: European American
Cultural context: European American

When I Feel Afraid by Cheri J. Meiners

Illustrated by Meredith Johnson. 40 p., Free Spirit, 2003.

A girl tells about things that frighten her, both make-believe (for example, bad dreams, scary movies) and real (war and violence in the world). She describes coping strategies such as talking with a family member or other adult, playing with friends, thinking about other things (when worrying about something she can't change), drawing pictures, and taking deep breaths in a special quiet place. The girl explains how she knows to trust some adults, and mentions community helpers who can be trusted. A detailed note for adults describes ways to support children when they feel afraid, and includes a brief resource list. Children will benefit from knowing the coping strategies that the girl suggests, and can adopt some of her positive self-talk to use themselves.

Ages 2-6
Main character's cultural background: Latina
Cultural context: multicultural

Harriet and the Roller Coaster by Nancy Carlson

32 p., Carolrhoda, 2003.

Harriet (a dog) is afraid to ride the roller coaster, until she does it and finds that it's fun for her. Her classmate, George, doesn't think he's afraid, but when he's on it, finds it frightening. This story shows kids that they may be braver than they think - and that people who seem brave may not really be so courageous. It will also help kids keep an open mind about deciding which situations are scary.

Ages: 3-7
Cultural Context: non-human

Darkness by Mildred Pitts Walter

Illustrated by Marcia Jameson. 26 p., Simon & Schuster, 1995.

Whether or not you're afraid of the dark, wonderful things that happen there -- the beginning of human life in the darkness of the womb, the beginning of plant life and the formation of precious metals and stones in the darkness of the earth, and undersea life in the darkness of the sea. Even creative ideas begin in the darkness of inside the human mind. Because dreams are also mentioned as a benefit of darkness, this might be a less-appropriate choice for children who fear bad dreams. If this isn't a concern, this book can help change fearful children's perspectives on the dark to one of appreciation of its growth-promoting properties.

Ages: 1-7
Cultural Context: multicultural

Brave Ben by Mathilde Stein

Illustrated by Mies van Hout. 26 p., Front Street Lemniscaat, 2006.

Fearful children might not be aware of their internal resources. Such is the case for Ben, who thinks of himself as a coward because he doesn't assert himself, feels self-conscious, and fears spooks under his bed. Because he thinks he needs help - magical help - he makes an appointment with a magic tree. The tree tells him that it's in a scary forest, but that the creepy creatures there are harmless. So when Ben meets a dragon, a spider bigger than he is, and a witch on his way to his appointment, he asserts his right to be in the forest, and to his surprise, each creature responds cordially. When he finally reaches the tree, he tells Ben that he is already less afraid. Ben happily realizes that he can do all the things he'd originally thought he couldn't do. Illustrated with beautiful pastel art, this story shows children how to find and make use of the courage inside them.

Ages: 2-6
Cultural Context: European

Do Not Open by Brinton Turkle

32 pages. Dutton, 1981.

Unlike her cat, Captain Kidd, Miss Moody isn't afraid of storms; all of her favorite possessions were washed up on the beach after a storm. She isn't even scared of a monster in a bottle who starts wars and causes nightmares. In fact, she tricks the monster into non-existence (with help from Captain Kidd), and gets what she wants most - her clock begins to work. Timid children may find the illustrations of the monster too scary. For those who don't, Miss Moody is a good role model for staying confident and keeping your wits about you in scary situations.

Ages: 5-8
Cultural Context: European American

Pepito the Brave by Scott Beck

32 p. Dutton, 2001.

Pepito is a little bird who is afraid to fly because he is afraid of heights. When it's time to leave the nest, he climbs down the tree and, following the advice of other animals, he runs, hops, swims, and tunnels until he reaches the tree where his brothers and sisters have flown. They tell him that if he is brave enough to do all it took him to get there, he must have enough courage to fly. Hearing this, he flies. With Pepito, children can use this experience to consider possibly unacknowledged sources of their own courage.

Ages: 2-6
Cultural Context: N/A

Kiss Good Night by Amy Hest

Illustrated by Anita Jeram. 32 pages. Candlewick, 2001.

A secure relationship can be just what's needed in a scary situation. On a dark, stormy night, Mrs. Bear puts little bear Sam to bed. In what comes across as a regular, comforting ritual, she reads him his favorite story, tucks him in, gives him his stuffed animals, drinks a glass of milk with him, and finally gives him a goodnight kiss. In spite of pouring rain and howling wind outside, Sam goes to sleep, comfortable and cozy. This story shows children that a scary situation is not so scary when you face it with an adult who really knows what you need.

Ages: 0-4
Cultural Context: non-human