Once I Was Very Very Scared

by Chandra Ghosh Ippen, Erich Peter Ippen Jr. (Illustrator)

A little squirrel announces that he was once very, very, scared and finds out that he is not alone. Lots of little animals went through scary experiences, but they react in different ways. Turtle hides and gets a tummy ache, monkey clings, dog barks, and elephant doesn’t like to talk about it. They need help, and they get help from grown-ups who help them feel safe and learn ways to cope with difficult feelings. This story was written to help children and grown-ups understand how stress can affect children and ways to help them.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Psychology, Emotion, Animals, Nonfiction, Self Help

64 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2017

Reviews

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see why this book is used often in counseling settings. It is LONG (too long for any storytime and frankly, not the right audience). But it talks about traumas (nothing specific, more of a general tone) and how there are different, and proper, ways to handle it. I think it is a must especially for anyone working with children

[Kathy Whitmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Animals talk about the physicality of emotions. A lot of information, illustrations don’t add interest or complexity. Could use alongside other books.

[Katlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is just “ok”. I found it kind of confusing and disjointed. In my opinion, there are better books about trauma out there for children, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad read.

[Akoss · Rating 3 out of 5]

*@Kidlitexchange #partner - I received a copy of this book from the Kidlitexchange network in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

Once I was Very Very Scared seems to have been written as a tool to illustrate to children how they can seek help when they are plagued with a deep fear for various reasons. So it doesn’t have the usual story structure one might expect from a typical picture book that showcases fiction. Since I have no expertise in childhood psychology there isn’t much for me to comment on.

From an adult stand point I see this book as good tool to help our young ones and as a parent I recommend reading this with your child and encourage a careful and gentle discussion if needed.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone, no matter how big and strong or confident they may seem, has fears. In this book with a nod toward trauma and stress, a small squirrel confides its fears to an audience of animals. While some of them can easily relate, others try to keep a front of fearlessness, and still others simply avoid the topic. Eventually, they all confess their fears and receive reassurance that things will be better now. One of the aspects of the book that I found useful was the animals' suggestions for positive ways to deal with stress and fear. Although the book is more than a tad didactic and covers a lot of emotional territory, it provides a good place to start in easing the fears some youngsters may feel. There are often valid reasons for fears or anxieties or failure to trust others, which this book makes clear.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Verso page has a disclaimer of "no responsibility for the use of these materials" and suggests that "the reader should consult with a mental health provider for any symptoms that may need diagnosis or professional attention."
Awful computer-generated graphics
Animals discuss what scared them: the wind, people leaving, people fighting, someone being hurt etc.
Serious and important discussions about fear, how we respond to it and how to respond to it more positively.

[Zoe Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book for an Early Childhood Education class I am taking for a lesson about how to help children deal with trauma as an educator. This book I think is a great resource to help children understand that it is okay to have these feelings of being afraid etc. and that there are always ways to help and ask for it!

[Juliana Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Animals sit in a circle talking about their feelings, what has scared them and how they can overcome the feeling of being scared. Provides language and a safe place for kids to talk about feelings after something bad has happened to them.

[Erikka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing and essential resource for helping children dealing with trauma. The animals discuss different ways they express emotions and then learn ways to better express their feelings. It was very touching, didn't mince words, and would foster very helpful and healing conversations.

[Eunice Scott Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes...I feel____. These are ways to feel better.

Helping children from hard places learn ways to cope when handling big emotions by reading stories they can relate to is a good way to discuss their experience.

[Beth Punsalan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Little ones will love this book! Wonderful message. Love love love love love love love love love love love it

[Mary Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read

I like that children will see what we have been working on in TFCBT and the animals have the same feelings

[Felicia Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Great opening book for children new to therapy and dealing with traumatic experiences. The animals are very relatable and easy to follow

[Dessa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book

introduction of new animals, showing how different animals experience feelings, nice illustrations, showed all the animals reacting, easy to understand

[Sakura Monds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute way to teach kiddos about fight-flight-freeze-fawn response.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly excellent book.

This book made me cry. A must-have for anyone who works with children, and a good resource for adults with trauma, too!

[Yari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative

I like the friendly vocabulary used to explain the emotional response. The picture is adorable. I would recommend this book

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for kids who have experienced trauma but maybe scary to kids who haven’t. Takes awhile to get to the reassuring part.