Once I Was Very Very Scared
Chandra Ghosh Ippen, Author
Erich Ippen Jr., Illustrator
Piplo Productions, Fiction, Jan. 12, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 4-9
Themes: Animals, Stress, Trauma, Abuse, Scary Events, Hope
Opening: “Umm…Once I was very, very scared,” said Squirrel.
Synopsis: A little squirrel shares with his forest friends a very scary experience. He discovers that he is not alone. All his furry friends share their scary moments, but they each react in different ways. Turtle hides in his shell and gets a tummy ache, monkey is sad, dog growls and barks, rabbit wants to run and elephant doesn’t want to talk about it. What will these friends do to feel calm and safe?
Why I like this book:
Chandra Ghosh Ippen has written a timely book for children who have experienced stressful and traumatic events, natural disasters, violence, and abuse. It is the perfect book to share with children who have family members involved in the aftermath of recent hurricanes. With the help of a cast of furry animal friends, the book encourages children to talk about what happens to them when they are scared.
Once I Was Very Very Scared goes into details about the physical symptoms the animals experience when something scary happens — tummy aches, sadness, uncontrollable thoughts, hiding, running, and not wanting to talk about it. With the help of a wise Porcupine, the furry friends begin to talk about how they feel inside when they are scared — angry, sad, ashamed, frustrated and embarrassed. The friends begin to learn new things to help them during scary times — talking to a parent, snuggling with Mom, listening to music, and playing with friends.
This books speaks to a common emotion of kids that they don’t always get to talk about. Adults assume kids go on an forget an event like a fire, an accident, a tornado or a parental argument. They don’t.
Erich Ippen’s lively and expressive illustrations give life to the conversations between the animals. They are richly textured, humorous at times and will appeal to children.
Resource: This is book is a perfect resource for parents, teachers, school counselors and therapists to use with children individually or as a group, depending upon the circumstances. For more information about the impact of stressful and traumatic events on children and how grown-ups can help, please visit the National Children’s Traumatic Stress Network.
Other Links: The author has written Trinka and Sam and the Rainy Windy Day, a three-part free coloring book disaster series great for home or classroom use. It is available in English, Spanish and other languages.
*The author provided me with an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
Children's Books Heal 
Seems so simple – of course we should have a book that addresses fear to children. But I don’t know of many, and this sounds like a delightful way to do it.
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The fact the characters are animals makes this an easier topic for kids to talk about. Beautiful illustrations.
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And there is the reason I love children’s books!!! xo
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Me too! 🙂
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There can be many frightening events, real or imagined, in a child’s life. It is good to have the language to discuss feelings and an opportunity to share and realise we are not the only one. A group of furry animals my make the discussion easier. Thanks for sharing, Patricia.
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I agree. Furry animals do make it easier for children to open up and share their fears and learn tools they can use to help themselves.
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Great benefits!
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I wish this book had come out years ago when my daughter seemed to move from one imaginary fear to the next. After reading or listening to this book, many children will appreciate knowing they aren’t alone in their fears.
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I think that’s what so important about this book, that kids will know they aren’t alone, just like their furry friends!
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I love how kids get to see the many kinds of reactions–that both seems helpful in their own self-recognition and in developing empathy. This one seems like the epitome of a children’s book that will heal.
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It is a book that will help kids heal. It is presented in such a friendly manner, with the animals/kids coming up with their own solutions! Thanks for your message.
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I like how the book shows how different people can react to fearful situations in so many different ways. It seems like any kid would be able to identify with at least one of these animals.
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Kids will be able to identify with many of the symptoms. And, the author has a great sense of humor in sharing what some of those symptoms are. I think with the hurricanes around us, this is an excellent book to share with kids.
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This is a very important book for kids. Now more than ever with all the unrest and natural disasters. Thanks for highlighting it.I look forward to seeing my library stocks it.
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Yes, I thought it very timely to share this book because many children will be scared. The author has a coloring book to help kids deal with hurricanes.
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Such a timely book! I think adults can benefit from this one, too, as we deal with so much in our lives & world. Thank you for sharing!
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You are welcome. I chose today to share it because of all of the scary things kids are observing with hurricanes and unrest in the world.
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What a timely choice, P. Between hurricanes, earthquakes, and tigers walking through neighborhoods, there will be many kids who are very very scared. Also, Mom needed this book when she was little. She was afraid a lot. Now she has me and I’m afraid a lot!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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I ran this review this weekend because of the hurricanes and earthquakes. There will be a lot of frightened kids. Good time to get them to share their feelings and comfort them.
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I think I need this book for my classroom! Thanks for the feature.
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Glad you like the book. It really is a good story to use with students.
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Excellent review Pat. I love this beautiful book with it’s universal theme. This will become a very popular book with what’s been going on in the world lately. Kids need to know they are not alone in their fears and I think this book will certainly help them in some way. Thanks Pat.
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Thank you, Diane. I couldn’t agree more. It is a great resource to use with children during uncertain times.
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Thanks so much to Patricia for posting this review and thank you to all of you for support of our book. We hope it reaches many children and families and helps them heal. So lovely to know there is a community of people connected in their desire to help families find resources to help children.
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