What I Look like when I Am Scared

Children's Literature - Naomi Butler

Shepherd describes what children's faces may look like when they are frightened, using large photos on one page and text on the opposite pages to give a clear indication of feelings. The children's individual expressions are probably as different as adult expressions would be portrayed in a similar book. The reader will be able to identify some of the same feelings that they experience when frightened. The book creates a wonderful opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss fearful reactions and how to best handle them. The "Let's Look at Feelings" series Web site will be updated with new expressions, providing a good teaching tool and interesting site. Discussing the book with an adult will enhance the book's impact. This title is probably the most important one in the series designed to effectively offer needed help. Reviewer: Naomi Butler

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-Each volume contains full-page photos of children's faces that illustrate the emotion noted in the title. The accompanying text directs attention to the features that indicate that sentiment, e.g., "When I am angry my eyebrows go down" or "I get lines on my nose when I am confused." However, no explanation is offered for the cause of the particular reaction or the internal feelings that give rise to the outward expression. Nor is there any discussion of ways to deal with the emotion aside from showing it on your face. The child models vary in their ability to convey the targeted states of mind. Some seem genuinely angry, confused, or scared while others appear to be taking part in a drama exercise. Aliki's Feelings (Greenwillow, 1984) provides a classic examination of the subject and books such as Rachel Vail's Sometimes I'm Bombaloo (2000) are more effective at revealing the impact of an emotion on interactions with others. The expressions in Saxon Freymann and Joost Effers's How Are You Peeling? (1999, both Scholastic) are more compelling even though they're found on fruits and vegetables.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.