Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Frightened-squirrel tale great for helping kids face fears.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of a lot of things: bees, germs, martians, the unknown. He's so afraid that he has his daily routine down to an exact, repetitive science where he never leaves his tree so he never has to deal with anything amiss. (And if he does, there's a plan for that!) But what if something did happen? Would Scaredy be prepared? What would he do if one of his worst fears came true? Would it really be the worst?
Is It Any Good?
SCAREDY SQUIRREL is a magnificent book written and illustrated by Melanie Watt. It tackles the concerns of preschoolers with a lighthearted tone and a really big message: We can't always control our surroundings, but sometimes that's a good thing. The book depicts Scaredy's life as a humorous series of schedules, contingency plans, and emergency exits/ With the vivid charcoal pencil and acrylic illustrations, it's a vibrant, fun visual read about the reassuring nature of routine that's so important to young kids' sense of safety about the world. But venture out we must, and the tone and pace here are a pitch-perfect nudge for kids who are transitioning into new phases.
This is a book that kids and adults can both enjoy and learn a little something from, but it's particularly helpful during periods of separation anxiety or clinginess, as it reinforces that, even when we're faced with our fears, things can turn out OK -- even great in surprising ways -- if we just open ourselves up to new experiences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fear. What is something you're afraid of? Have you ever decided to face your fear? If so, what happened? If not, what do you think would help you face one of your fears?
What makes stories about animals fun? Does Scaredy seem like any people you know?
Have you ever done something scary that turned out to be fun? What was it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Melanie Watt
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Kids Can Press
- Publication date : February 1, 2006
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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