[LOTS MORE TITLES TO COME]

Batman’s Dark Secret (2016) – afraid of the dark

by Kelley Puckett (Author), Jon J. Muth (Illustrator)

Amazon.com blurb:  Batman’s Dark Secret is an inspiring story of how a young child overcame his fear of the dark and became a crime-fighting superhero.

One day, a lonely orphan named Bruce Wayne finds himself in a dangerous situation. He defends himself against a monster bat–and he wins. From that time on, he is determined to fight evil. He becomes … Batman!

Elmer and the Monster (2014) – fear of the unknown

by David McKee

Elmer is a patchwork elephant who keeps being passed by other animals running away from a loud roar. They warn Elmer to turn around but Elmer proceeds calmly and curiously.   Elmer says he has never seen a monster and is told “you don’t have to see it. Just imagining it is horrible enough.” He eventually meets “Bloo-bloo” a small friendly blue furry creature (not a real animal) who had been making the roaring sound because he was afraid of all the “monsters” he was hearing (the other animals). Elmer brings Bloo-bloo to join the other animals and they all laugh at their silliness in being afraid of each other before they had seen or met.

The Fun Book of Scary Stuff (2015) – fears of lots of things (monsters, ghosts, the school crossing guard, the dark, swimming pools/sharks, big dogs)

by Emily Jenkins (Author), Hyewon Yum (Illustrator)

Dialogue between boy and his dogs. At least one of the dogs is the rational, reassuring and/or brave character who eventually says “you keep being scared of stuff that probably doesn’t exist.” But then the boy talks about fears related to things that actually do exist. Roles reverse when it gets to fear of the dark – the boy must reassure the dogs and explains that when it’s dark you can “turn on the light” to make it go away. Dogs then thank the boy and say “you’re so brave” and the boy realizes that sometimes he is brave.

I Used to be Afraid (2015) – fears of many things

by Laura Vaccaro Seeger (Author/Illustrator)

Amazon.com blurb:  There are a lot of things to be afraid of in this world: spiders, the dark, being alone. In this simple, beautifully-crafted picture book, acclaimed author/illustrator Laura Vaccaro Seeger shows that what seems scary at first, can become magical. It all depends on perspective. Using die-cuts, learn that a scary spider can actually produce an intricate and gorgeous web and that sometimes the dark can transform into a magical night sky. You’ll be surprised, awed, and inspired by this clever book.

Scaredy Squirrel (2006)

by Melanie Watt (Author/Illustrator)

Amazon.com blurb:  Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It’s way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he’s well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel’s emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.

Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day … his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk.

But as Scaredy Squirrel leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting …

Stop Drop and Roll (2001) – fear of fire

by Margery Cuyler (Author), Arthur Howard (Illustrator)

see Anxiety & Worry page