All children have fears, but how can you teach them to handle those fears? Picture books offer a way for kids to see just what they’re experiencing and make sense of it. Through a beautifully illustrated tale, a child can learn a lot about facing the things that scare them most.
After the Fall: (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)
When you were a kid, were you afraid of heights? Well, after having a great fall, so is Humpty Dumpty. He is now terrified to sit on the wall in the spot that he loves near the birds.
To compensate for his loss, Humpty decides he’ll create a paper bird. Unfortunately, he loses his bird over the wall, prompting him to realize all he’s missing out on by being afraid. This realization pushes Humpty to climb back up again, even after such a traumatic fall.
The notion of climbing back up, of not letting fear stop you from reaching “great” heights is what makes After the Fall such a profound story. Read the original nursery rhyme beforehand for maximum effect.
There’s an Alligator Under My Bed
Poor sleep is common of children who fear imaginary creatures lurking beneath their bed. Show them there’s no reason to be afraid by reading them this tale about a boy who has a scary green alligator hiding under his bed. Though afraid, the boy eventually devises a way to get the alligator out of hiding by luring him with delicious treats to his family’s garage. He locks the monster away and is then able to move past his own fears.
In the same way, a child can move past theirs. Have them visualize their scary monster being locked away just like the alligator. That way, they can separate themselves from the fear and finally get a good night’s sleep.
Thunder Cake
The sound of thunder can make any kid scramble under the covers and hide. Thunder Cake centers on a young girl who helps her grandmother find ingredients for a cake before the ensuing storm reaches them.
By focusing on the search, a scary day becomes an exciting game!
Turning something scary into something fun can help a child relinquish their fears. The next time a storm approaches, try reading this book with your students. Better yet, bring a sweet dessert with you so they can see just how much fun a storm can be.
The Dot
Kids can feel the weight of other’s expectations early on, whether that be at home or at school. In The Dot, a girl named Vashti believes she can’t draw. Realizing her struggle, her teacher advises her to make a mark on the page.
Just one dot.
When Vashti’s dot is hung up in class, Vashti is inspired to continue to draw while helping others unlock their artistic passion. It goes to show how one dot can be the start of something amazing.
Creativity comes from an open mind and an ability to get out of your own way. This book will encourage children to start a project without fearing that they can’t. And that a little bit of effort can go a long way.
Ben and the Scaredy-Dog
A fear of dogs can happen at an early age, especially big dogs. This clever story places both the child (named Ben) and the dog (Max) in a similar position– they both have fears! After Ben meets his new neighbors and their dog Max, he comes to discover Max is afraid of the shiny floors of his owner’s new house. Through their mutual fears, Ben and Max are able to find common ground and the beginnings of a friendship are born.
It’s a great way to teach children how to connect with their furry friends, and maybe even inspire them to ask their parents for a pet!
The power of picture books lies in their ability to understand how a child’s mind works. Right along with all the fun things a child enjoys, they often touch on the fears that can develop early in life. By tackling these issues head-on, they give children the courage to face whatever life throws at them. Read these to your students and provide them with the strength and support to face even the mightiest of fears.
