The Dark, Dark Night

Text: M. Christina Butler

Illustrations: Jane Chapman

Year: 2008

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84506 637 6

This book is an endearing comedy of errors which features five good friends – Badger, Rabbit, Hedgehog, Dormouse and Frog.

Frog has just woken up from a long winter sleep and in his excitement, he sets off a series of mishaps caused by ‘shadow monsters!’

This ought to be a good book for little ones who are afraid of the dark.

Excerpt

Frog was very excited. All winter he had been asleep under a stone, and now it was spring, he was on his way back to the pond.

Sam’s Snowflake

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Rosie Reeve

Year: 2008

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, paperback

ISBN: 978 0 23053 178 9

This is a gentle Christmas story that explores the deep bond that children forge with their dads.

Little Sam can’t wait to do fun things with his dad but he’s gone away to ‘fetch a special Christmas surprise’.

As Christmas Eve slowly fades into a cold, dark night Sam worries that his dad might get lost. He makes a glittery star that he puts up at the highest window to guide his father back home.

The book offers a gentle opportunity to explain to little ones, especially those prone to separation anxiety that parents come back. 

Oh yes, there’s a generous smattering of glitter through the pages too! :-)

Excerpt

Sam couldn't wait for the snow to come.

Every Christmas, Dad helped him to make a snow bear, took him toboganning and played roly-poly snowball fights. 

What’s that noise, Little Mouse?

Text: Stephanie Stansbie

Illustrations: Polona Lovsin

Year: 2010

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 - 6 years

No. of Pages:  20

Book Type: Novelty book, picture book

ISBN:  978 1 84895 116 7

There just won’t be enough books that focus on children’s fears and how to tackle them.

This story of the Little Mouse takes the effort one step further – it’s a press-the-page noisy book!

Little Mouse is half-asleep when he’s woken by a strange sound. Soon, he’s wide awake and very aware of many more scary sounds. Each of these sounds can be heard in the book.

Of course, his mom comes in to explain all the sounds – Owly singing his song, breeze in the trees, clock ticking and so on.

It is a fun-filled book! :-)

Excerpt

But then came the worst noise of all … a rattling, chattering, clattering sound – and it was heading straight towards Little Mouse …

Darkness Slipped In

By Ella Burfoot 

Year: 2008

Publisher: Kingfisher Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 30

ISBN: 978 0 75341 845 1

This book ought to cure most kids of their fear of darkness. :-)

Meet Daisy, a brave little girl who sees Darkness slip in through her bedroom window at the end of the day. She is not scared and grabs him by the arm to dance the funky twist.  Soon, they’re good friends and they ‘dance and laugh and play’ every night.

Besides, the creative representation of darkness, the book depicts darkness quite creatively too. He comes with a glossy touch! :-)

Excerpt

And pretty soon, around the room, they danced the FUNKY TWIST!

And after all that dancing round they had a little break.

They sipped a cup of lemonade and nibbled on some cake. 

Your Emotions: I feel frightened

Text: Brian Moses, Wikipedia

Illustration: Mike Gordon

Year: 1993

Publisher: Hodder Wayland, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 75021 404 9

The Your Emotions series is a fantastic idea to help not just children but parents and teachers to navigate this tricky zone in little ones' lives.

The I Feel Frightened book doesn't brush away fears as most adults are inclined to do but helps the child come to terms with the ever-present reality of emotions and offers helpful suggestions too. The book deals with fear of the dark, bugs, strange noises, first day at school and more. The  witty text and peppy illustrations offset the somber subject of the book.

What I liked best about this book? It actually acknowledges that grown-ups feel fear too!

This book is a must-have for any children’s library.

Other titles in this series:

• I feel angry
• I feel jealous, Review here
• I feel sad

Excerpt

I’m frightened when I think there are spiders under my bed.

But any spider I find is much more frightened of me.

I like to play hide and seek!

And even though I’m frightened when dad makes me jump, I still want to play it again!