A review by alisun
Captain Starfish by Davina Bell

5.0

This amazing picture book centers on a shy young boy who wants to wear his starfish costume in the upcoming school parade but, when the day arrives, he is too anxious to participate. His mom takes him to an aquarium and feels a strong connection to a hiding clownish who only "comes out for a tiny second." His mom replies, "Sometimes clownfish need to hide away" and Alfie replies, "People too." The story closes on a positive note with Alfie deciding he will be a clownfish the following year and the last page showing him in his costume with the last line, "and that's just what he did."

I love the emotional integrity of the story. It shows a child who struggles with socially anxiety. It is realistic and true to the emotional experience without moralizing. Awesome book -- I just loved it.