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agudenburr's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent book that showed how it is O.K. to take a mental health break.
wordnerd153's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet, quiet story about a boy’s anxiety. I appreciated how the problem wasn’t resolved immediately and how supportive the boy’s parents were.
mandarchy's review against another edition
4.0
This book presents the idea that children have anxieties. Sometimes if we wait and allow them to grow and better understand their feelings they can overcome their fears on their own.
literarymarvel's review against another edition
5.0
This is the sweetest picture book for children who suffer from shyness or anxiety. I can’t tell you how many times people tell me, someone with social anxiety, to just get over it or try to force me into a situation I don’t want to be in. This is a gentle reminder that those with anxiety need to be supported for their decisions and not forced into anything they aren’t comfortable with.
tashrow's review
4.0
Alfie sometimes gets a feeling, the one that makes him not run relay races or go to parties. This time, Alfie was worried about being a starfish in the school parade. He would get to be first in the parade. Alfie practiced at home, pretending he was at school. That night, his parents tucked him into bed, but Alfie didn’t sleep well at all. His sleep was filled with watery nightmares and when he woke up, his tummy hurt. He just can’t bring himself to be a starfish at school. That day, his mother took him on a special trip to the aquarium where Alfie discovered the shy clown fish that ducked between the rocks. Maybe next year Alfie can join in on the fun in his own way.
Bell beautifully captures the experience of a shy child in this picture book. Particularly noteworthy is her explanation of the physical manifestations of shyness and the way that it can shut children down entirely. It is also very special that she shares supportive parents who show not only patience but a willingness to support their child on his journey toward independence.
The art in this picture book is done in a particular color palette that includes sea blues, deep blue and papaya pink. Alfie’s entire bearing in the illustrations shows his hesitation and worry.
A lovely quiet book about shyness. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Bell beautifully captures the experience of a shy child in this picture book. Particularly noteworthy is her explanation of the physical manifestations of shyness and the way that it can shut children down entirely. It is also very special that she shares supportive parents who show not only patience but a willingness to support their child on his journey toward independence.
The art in this picture book is done in a particular color palette that includes sea blues, deep blue and papaya pink. Alfie’s entire bearing in the illustrations shows his hesitation and worry.
A lovely quiet book about shyness. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
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