Who's Afraid?

 by Amy Notarius Rowan Public Library

Do you know a child who’s afraid of the dark, spiders, storms, or other scary things, and wish you knew a way to help them to feel better? Several books at Rowan Public Library may help a child identify and cope with his or her fears. 

Actor, director, and educator LeVar Burton has written a book about learning to face your fears called “The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm.”  A storm outside is scaring Mica Mouse.  A year before, a powerful hurricane had destroyed her home. To help her feel better, Papa mouse tells her the story of Little Rhinoceros, who loses everything due to a terrible storm.  In his grief Rhino acts without thinking, and swallows the storm. He ends up at the bottom of a very deep hole.  With the help of spider, bee, kangaroo and more, Rhino manages to get out of the hole and find faith in himself again. 

This rhyming story and colorful illustrations should encourage young children by showing them that with the support of those around them they can get through difficult times.

In “Brave Squish Rabbit” Katherine Battersby writes about Squish the rabbit, who is very little but has some big fears. Squish is afraid of storms, chickens, and especially the dark. Playing with his friend Twitch helps Squish forget his fears, but one day he can’t find Twitch anywhere. Can he find the courage to face a storm in the dark in order to find his friend? The fun illustrations may encourage young children to face some of their own fears as they follow Squish on his adventure. 

In “Jibberwillies at Night” Rachel Vail writes about Katie Honors, a really happy kid who wakes up with a smile on her face.  Her days are filled with fun and laughter, but at night, after she curls up with her dog, the jibberwillies come.  These are odd-looking, loud creatures who fill Katie’s room. She tries to get them to leave but nothing works. Finally her mother comes up with the idea of catching the jibberwillies in a bucket. Yumi Heo’s brightly colored illustrations bring the jibberwillies to life and make it fun to watch them being drawn into the bucket. Vail presents a unique method for young children to face and possibly eliminate any nighttime fears. 

Don’t be afraid to check out these and other great books at Rowan Public Library today.