This Makes Me Scared: Dealing with Feelings

by Courtney Carbone, Hilli Kushnir (Illustrator)

Kids will learn it's okay to be scared—and how to confront their fears—in this installment of the Dealing with Feelings series. Paperback edition includes stickers!

In This Makes Me Scared , a young boy is terrified about taking swim lessons. The water is cold, chlorine burns his eyes, and worst of all, everyone is watching him. He's scared that he'll never learn to swim--or drown trying! When his instructor shows him how to calm his mind, the boy decides to face his fear and open himself up to a fun, new experience.

The Dealing with Feelings series of early readers is designed to give voice to what's brewing inside. Through short, simple text and repetitive observational phrases, children will learn to name their emotions as they learn to read.

Genres: Picture Books, Emotion, Childrens, Mental Health

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 15, 2019

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book uses the common fear of learning to swim to help early readers tackle overall fears and develop strategies to overcome them. The little boy learns to relax and talks to his swimming teacher about what he is feeling. The author does a good job of guiding the reader through what the protagonist is feeling. I especially like the illustrations in this series (Dealing with Feelings), which depict students of different races and varying abilities.

[Becky B · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little boy gets scared when his first attempt at floating doesn't go so well. His swimming instructor tells him it is ok to be scared, has him take a few deep breaths, and when he is ready, they try again.

Ok, I can see a couple deep breaths working well for calming down silliness like in the last book I read in this series. I'm not as convinced it would work in helping a kid face their fears of the water. Have you looked into the eyes of a child with a deep fear? I think some deeper conversations about water and other tactics might work better. I'm sure there are better books out there on facing swimming fears. I did like the multicultural cast of the characters. It appears some titles in this series are better than others.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an alternative universe, there is a version of myself who was taught early on how to deal with feelings. Not to stuff them into boxes, hide them and pretend they don’t exist but to talk about them openly. I bet that version of myself had access to books like this one and deep on her subconscious that version of myself is less afraid of vulnerability. Hence, in this universe, this version of myself, the one who needs a pep talk before every “I feel” statement, bought multiple copies to share with patients.

[Julianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the best book in the "dealing with feelings" but it's still a Five Star read!
These books cover sadness, jealousy, silliness, anger and more.
I love how this book covers the emotional experience & coping strategies of fear. Very reliable. My child loved the story and the art.
The books are age appropriate for toddlers and non-readers also.

[Scott Cahalan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short and simple book that help young children cope with feelings of being scared. It is not the best book out there but gives the young readers different ways to cope when they have big emotions. It will be a good book to read when talking about different emotions. The artwork is bright and colorful.

[Aeicha · Rating 4 out of 5]

These titles, from the Dealing With Feelings series, are a great way to help little readers understand and talk through the big feelings they have. Each book features short, simple, effective text and bright, expressive illustrations.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A “dealing with feelings” early reader book.
The first day of swim class comes with big nerves. When he gobbles up some water, fear pushes him to the edge and up the ladder. After some deep breathing he gives it another try.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

9/2/2024 ~ Though this series seems to have been written explicitly to help kids/readers think about their feelings, the story and characters are compelling. The facial expressions in the illustrations will also help kids connect strongly with the themes in the story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy gets help from his swim instructor when he is feeling scared at the pool.