SAMMY FEELS SHY

A new entry in the Big Bright Feelings series explores social anxiety.

Sammy, a youngster with pale skin and a shock of blond hair, doesn’t like to be the center of attention. Unfortunately, he often feels like everyone’s looking at him—in school, when he needs to answer a question, or when he falls off his scooter. All he can think about is how many people are watching, and a bright pink blush colors his face. Soon, his whole body turns pink! Dad suggests that the two of them go to the fair. Consumed with worry, Sammy hides, but as he crouches behind a tree, he meets another anxious classmate. Together, they confront their fears, and the pinkness gradually dissipates. To heighten the transformation, the surroundings appear gray as Sammy gets pinker, but once the pinkness fades, color returns. Percival sensitively unpacks Sammy’s emotions while warning against labeling kids as “shy.” Sammy hears the word so much that he internalizes it: “And I’m shy. Everyone ALWAYS says so.” An appended author’s note explores coping tips and further resources. Sammy’s classmates are a diverse group; other books in the series explore many of their stories.

Deftly investigates the inner thoughts that many children feel.