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Timid
Timmy is struggling with their inner cowardly lion in this picture book about friendship and overcoming anxiety.
Timmy loves nothing more than performing, that is, until they have an audience. They live in the shadow of their inner cowardly lion who loves to come out and ROAR all their confidence away. As Timmy dreads the upcoming school play, they form a powerful friendship with their classmate Nia. Together, they work to overcome their shyness and tame the lion. But when it's time to take the stage, Timmy feels the familiar swoosh of the lion's tail.
Will Timmy be able to calm their anxiety and put on a show-stopping performance?
Timmy loves nothing more than performing, that is, until they have an audience. They live in the shadow of their inner cowardly lion who loves to come out and ROAR all their confidence away. As Timmy dreads the upcoming school play, they form a powerful friendship with their classmate Nia. Together, they work to overcome their shyness and tame the lion. But when it's time to take the stage, Timmy feels the familiar swoosh of the lion's tail.
Will Timmy be able to calm their anxiety and put on a show-stopping performance?
32 pages, Hardcover
Published June 28, 2022
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 2, 2025
In a Nutshell: A lovely story about a shy boy who is intimidated by their “lion” whenever they have to perform in front of others. Loved the intent, liked the content, adored the illustrations.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
The problem of shyness is a fairly common one, in adults as well as kids. In a world where we are forced to be outgoing and stage-confident, shy people have a tough time navigating the maze of unsureness and underconfidence to face the world from a dais. This is even tougher for children who are afraid to verbalise their anxiety. The story does a brilliant job of highlighting this difficult issue. It doesn’t stop only at depicting how the leonine roars affect Timmy’s confidence, but also incorporates a couple of simple techniques to overcome nervousness.
The metaphor of the lion to represent fear works quite well. Seeing the scary lion drive away Timmy’s little confidence is a great visual representation of how anxiety works in real life. I liked how the lion didn’t disappear at the end, but motivated Timmy from the audience. One doesn’t always get rid of fears, after all; one just learns to accept them and confront them. That said, the plot could have handled the ending better. Going from “we should face our fears together” to a confident stage performance was too big a jump. How exactly do you face fears together on the big day when your feet are shaky and your nerves are jittery? Perhaps an added paragraph or an afterword on this topic would have helped because Timmy’s transformation at the end is too instantaneous to be convincing.
I can’t skip mentioning Nia’s role in the story. Such a sweet little child! She knows what she wants, and despite her own shyness, she doesn’t hesitate to help out Timmy with their confidence. Of course, being a smart girl, she also gets assistance in return for her own costume. A perfect give-and-take friendship, this! I loved how both of them worked together on facing their fears and making their own costumes for the play.
You might have noticed my using the ‘they/them’ pronouns to refer to Timmy. Right on the first page where we meet Timmy, there’s a lovely photograph on the wall of their room, declaring, “Hello! My name is Timmy. My pronouns are: They/them.” My heart loves this decision. As far as I know, children’s books haven’t yet explored the concept of individualised pronouns, even though there have been picture books on gender identity awareness, same-sex relationships, and other such inclusive topics. In that sense, using they/them as dominant pronouns through the book is almost a revolutionary concept. But my head reminds me of the reason this hasn’t been done so far. At that young age (I guess Timmy is about 5-6? Their exact age isn’t specified), most children aren’t aware of pronouns other than the traditional set. They are still learning the nuances of language and ‘they’ is just a plural pronoun for them. So introducing the other ‘they’ to this young age *might* become confusing. I am not against the idea, but I feel it will better suit an older age group. I might be wrong, of course. This is still a developing topic, so perhaps educators might have a more expert opinion on this.
The story is written in simple prose. Each page has 1-3 small text blocks. Most of the words are easy to understand. The book is targeted at readers aged 4-8 years, but the younger set will need assistance reading this.
The illustrations are stunning! The cover art gives you a great visual clue of how mind-blowing the graphics inside the book are. Every page is a treat to the eyes. All the colours of the rainbow seem to be dancing across the vibrant illustrations. Can’t forget to point out the rainbow-coloured highlights on the lion’s mane!
All in all, I did enjoy this book, though I am not sure of a couple of its content inclusions and I wish the ending had been more detailed.
Recommended, yes. But take a call based on the above information. It’s a brave book, perhaps a little too brave.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Hear Our Voices Book Tours and Little Bee Books for a complimentary copy of “Timid”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Little Timmy loves to perform. They spin around in their homemade costumes, singing at the top of their voice and becoming whoever they wish to be. The problem is that this performance is restricted to the confines of their room. Though they dream of performing on stage someday, they know the dream will never come true because of a giant hurdle: a lion. Whenever they try to do anything new, the lion pops out of nowhere and roars away their confidence. When the teacher announces the upcoming class play, Timmy is too dejected even to sign up. Their friend Nia decides to help them out.
The problem of shyness is a fairly common one, in adults as well as kids. In a world where we are forced to be outgoing and stage-confident, shy people have a tough time navigating the maze of unsureness and underconfidence to face the world from a dais. This is even tougher for children who are afraid to verbalise their anxiety. The story does a brilliant job of highlighting this difficult issue. It doesn’t stop only at depicting how the leonine roars affect Timmy’s confidence, but also incorporates a couple of simple techniques to overcome nervousness.
The metaphor of the lion to represent fear works quite well. Seeing the scary lion drive away Timmy’s little confidence is a great visual representation of how anxiety works in real life. I liked how the lion didn’t disappear at the end, but motivated Timmy from the audience. One doesn’t always get rid of fears, after all; one just learns to accept them and confront them. That said, the plot could have handled the ending better. Going from “we should face our fears together” to a confident stage performance was too big a jump. How exactly do you face fears together on the big day when your feet are shaky and your nerves are jittery? Perhaps an added paragraph or an afterword on this topic would have helped because Timmy’s transformation at the end is too instantaneous to be convincing.
I can’t skip mentioning Nia’s role in the story. Such a sweet little child! She knows what she wants, and despite her own shyness, she doesn’t hesitate to help out Timmy with their confidence. Of course, being a smart girl, she also gets assistance in return for her own costume. A perfect give-and-take friendship, this! I loved how both of them worked together on facing their fears and making their own costumes for the play.
You might have noticed my using the ‘they/them’ pronouns to refer to Timmy. Right on the first page where we meet Timmy, there’s a lovely photograph on the wall of their room, declaring, “Hello! My name is Timmy. My pronouns are: They/them.” My heart loves this decision. As far as I know, children’s books haven’t yet explored the concept of individualised pronouns, even though there have been picture books on gender identity awareness, same-sex relationships, and other such inclusive topics. In that sense, using they/them as dominant pronouns through the book is almost a revolutionary concept. But my head reminds me of the reason this hasn’t been done so far. At that young age (I guess Timmy is about 5-6? Their exact age isn’t specified), most children aren’t aware of pronouns other than the traditional set. They are still learning the nuances of language and ‘they’ is just a plural pronoun for them. So introducing the other ‘they’ to this young age *might* become confusing. I am not against the idea, but I feel it will better suit an older age group. I might be wrong, of course. This is still a developing topic, so perhaps educators might have a more expert opinion on this.
The story is written in simple prose. Each page has 1-3 small text blocks. Most of the words are easy to understand. The book is targeted at readers aged 4-8 years, but the younger set will need assistance reading this.
The illustrations are stunning! The cover art gives you a great visual clue of how mind-blowing the graphics inside the book are. Every page is a treat to the eyes. All the colours of the rainbow seem to be dancing across the vibrant illustrations. Can’t forget to point out the rainbow-coloured highlights on the lion’s mane!
All in all, I did enjoy this book, though I am not sure of a couple of its content inclusions and I wish the ending had been more detailed.
Recommended, yes. But take a call based on the above information. It’s a brave book, perhaps a little too brave.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Hear Our Voices Book Tours and Little Bee Books for a complimentary copy of “Timid”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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May 6, 2023• Diverse characters (which is brilliant to see in a children’s picture book)
• Absolutely gorgeous illustrations with an arrange of different colours
• Absolutely gorgeous illustrations with an arrange of different colours
September 27, 2022
I want all of the picture books from Harry Woodgate's brain!! The illustrations were bold, bright, and so fun to look at. Loved Timmy's gender identity being casually included rather than the point of the story. The metaphor was lost on me for certain parts but, overall, I thought it was a sweet story about overcoming anxiety.
December 7, 2023
3,5 - Un lion représente ici la timidé et le stress d'un.e enfant (dont le pronom est iel) alors qu'iel souhaite participer à un spectacle. Faut-il le combattre ou l'apprivoiser?
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March 28, 2024This book is a delight! And I read it with my partner, and Timmy's friend reminded us of a kiddo we know, so that was a nice bonus.
Timmy (they/them) loves performing! Except when they have an audience. When they have an audience, they get shy -- "Whenever they tried to talk to someone new, a giant lion would appear out of nowhere and ROAR all their confidence away." The text and illustrations both do a great job of conveying the energy (both the up and the down) throughout the book.
At lunch one day, their classmate Nia comes right up and talks to them. Nia seems direct and fearless -- but when they talk about the upcoming school play, she reveals, "I want to make my own costume for the play, but . . . I'm too scared to show my design to anyone." Bolstered by the knowledge that someone else shares their struggle, Timmy, in turn, tells her about their lion. Nia proposes: "Let's make a plan. If I show you my design and you help me make an amazing costume, I'll help you tame your lion and perform in the play. Deal?"
The ending is perhaps a bit too quick, but it does come after various tools for helping deal with anxiety. And did I mention how much joy and delight there is in this book?
Timmy (they/them) loves performing! Except when they have an audience. When they have an audience, they get shy -- "Whenever they tried to talk to someone new, a giant lion would appear out of nowhere and ROAR all their confidence away." The text and illustrations both do a great job of conveying the energy (both the up and the down) throughout the book.
At lunch one day, their classmate Nia comes right up and talks to them. Nia seems direct and fearless -- but when they talk about the upcoming school play, she reveals, "I want to make my own costume for the play, but . . . I'm too scared to show my design to anyone." Bolstered by the knowledge that someone else shares their struggle, Timmy, in turn, tells her about their lion. Nia proposes: "Let's make a plan. If I show you my design and you help me make an amazing costume, I'll help you tame your lion and perform in the play. Deal?"
The ending is perhaps a bit too quick, but it does come after various tools for helping deal with anxiety. And did I mention how much joy and delight there is in this book?
November 29, 2023
Representation: They/them pronouns, anxiety
Timid is a children’s picture book about Timmy, who is struggling with their inner cowardly lion.
Timmy loves nothing more than performing, that is, until they have an audience. They live in the shadow of their inner cowardly lion who loves to come out and ROAR all their confidence away. As Timmy dreads the upcoming school play, they form a powerful friendship with their classmate Nia. Together, they work to overcome their shyness and tame the lion, but when it's time to take the stage, Timmy feels the familiar swoosh of the lion's tail. Will Timmy be able to calm their anxiety and put on a show-stopping performance?
This finished copy was provided by the publisher for the HOV tour in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic story! This book provides an age appropriate lesson about the importance of being brave and overcoming your fears. I love the idea of showing kids how we all identify differently and the pride we should take in that. I absolutely loved this story and the illustrations were amazing!
Timid is a children’s picture book about Timmy, who is struggling with their inner cowardly lion.
Timmy loves nothing more than performing, that is, until they have an audience. They live in the shadow of their inner cowardly lion who loves to come out and ROAR all their confidence away. As Timmy dreads the upcoming school play, they form a powerful friendship with their classmate Nia. Together, they work to overcome their shyness and tame the lion, but when it's time to take the stage, Timmy feels the familiar swoosh of the lion's tail. Will Timmy be able to calm their anxiety and put on a show-stopping performance?
This finished copy was provided by the publisher for the HOV tour in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic story! This book provides an age appropriate lesson about the importance of being brave and overcoming your fears. I love the idea of showing kids how we all identify differently and the pride we should take in that. I absolutely loved this story and the illustrations were amazing!
November 27, 2023
Haven’t read Timid yet? Here’s a bit about it -
Timmy (pronouns they/them) loves to perform, but they also have a big problem. They are too shy to actually get up on the stage and showcase their talent. Timmy’s shyness assumes the form of a ferocious lion that won’t go away…until a new friend Nina helps them overcome their fear.
This charming book pairs an explosion of vibrant colors with a relatable and powerful story about finding space for all of your emotions, even the ones that can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. It also showcases how friends can show up for one another and be supportive when things get tough. A wonderful example of a great social emotional learning picture book, as well as important non-binary representation, TIMID is a standout star when it comes to 2023 picture books.
Timmy (pronouns they/them) loves to perform, but they also have a big problem. They are too shy to actually get up on the stage and showcase their talent. Timmy’s shyness assumes the form of a ferocious lion that won’t go away…until a new friend Nina helps them overcome their fear.
This charming book pairs an explosion of vibrant colors with a relatable and powerful story about finding space for all of your emotions, even the ones that can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. It also showcases how friends can show up for one another and be supportive when things get tough. A wonderful example of a great social emotional learning picture book, as well as important non-binary representation, TIMID is a standout star when it comes to 2023 picture books.
December 5, 2023
review for HOV blog tour stop: i really enjoyed reading this book. i was super happy to get into the tour since i also loved grandad's pride and this was just as beautiful to look at. I love the details on every page, the colors really pop, and all of the characters here are so loveable. the friendship really shines and after reading it, i was reminded of why (once again), i think kids are amazing, which means i also find it horrifying that so many children in Palestine are being deprived of simple things like having dreams, participating in school plays, and growing into their best selves. in fact, i think adults and people in general should do what timmy does and look inward, really examine what's inside them, and thus become more emotionally intelligent
June 25, 2025
This is a good book about learning to live with anxiety. Timmy is a nonbinary child living with anxious thoughts. They have trouble getting up in front of other people to perform on stage and feel shy when others ask them to play. Timmy has a problem when their teacher says there will be a play and the whole class will participate. What will they do about their anxiety that seems to take up an entire room? Luckily, Timmy finds a friend to help them in this regard. Nia is shy too, but she is working through her shyness. She helps Timmy try to understand their “anxiety lion.” Will the two friends finally calm their nerves enough to put on a good show? Find out!
I like that the focus was not on getting rid of anxiety. Anxiety is an emotion that is often vilified because we don’t like how it feels, but anxiety can be helpful. It helps us try to predict things for the future and prepare. It is not a villain, but an over helpful friend. Sometimes, it just needs to be understood. The book even offers some helpful tips on how to accept anxiety and keep going with your life. Personally, I love the representation of anxiety as a lion because lions are huge and loud. I feel like anxiety is loud and huge sometimes. Thanks for this book!
#LGBTQ+ #PrideMonthReads #Anxiety
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 107
I like that the focus was not on getting rid of anxiety. Anxiety is an emotion that is often vilified because we don’t like how it feels, but anxiety can be helpful. It helps us try to predict things for the future and prepare. It is not a villain, but an over helpful friend. Sometimes, it just needs to be understood. The book even offers some helpful tips on how to accept anxiety and keep going with your life. Personally, I love the representation of anxiety as a lion because lions are huge and loud. I feel like anxiety is loud and huge sometimes. Thanks for this book!
#LGBTQ+ #PrideMonthReads #Anxiety
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 107
March 21, 2025
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
A visually stunning story about shyness, confidence, and the power of friends helping each other.
Timmy loves performing in their room, but once they get in front of other people their shyness takes over in the form of a giant lion that roars their confidence away. With the help of their new friend, Nia, Timmy learns to work with their lion.
The artwork is beautiful. Gorgeous use of color and I loved Timmy's various costumes and makeup.
I loved the different representations of shyness and that it isn't just being quiet. Timmy loves performing but is nervous around other people. Nia is talkative and shares her ideas, but is self-conscious about her costume designs. Together they are able to build up each other's confidence.
While Timmy initially thinks they need to get rid of their lion, they soon learn that shyness is just one part of them and that doesn't mean they can't build their confidence and perform in front of others.
A sweet story with beautiful artwork. A little rushed at the end, but a nice way of showing how shyness doesn't have to stop you from doing what you love.
A visually stunning story about shyness, confidence, and the power of friends helping each other.
Timmy loves performing in their room, but once they get in front of other people their shyness takes over in the form of a giant lion that roars their confidence away. With the help of their new friend, Nia, Timmy learns to work with their lion.
The artwork is beautiful. Gorgeous use of color and I loved Timmy's various costumes and makeup.
I loved the different representations of shyness and that it isn't just being quiet. Timmy loves performing but is nervous around other people. Nia is talkative and shares her ideas, but is self-conscious about her costume designs. Together they are able to build up each other's confidence.
While Timmy initially thinks they need to get rid of their lion, they soon learn that shyness is just one part of them and that doesn't mean they can't build their confidence and perform in front of others.
A sweet story with beautiful artwork. A little rushed at the end, but a nice way of showing how shyness doesn't have to stop you from doing what you love.
July 1, 2023
Harry Woodgate heeft mijn favoriete serie geschreven; Opa's Camper. Deze, jammer genoeg, is niet zo'n succes. Dit kan ook zijn door de vertaling, dat die niet zo goed is, maar dat weet ik niet zeker. De hoofdpersoon heeft ontzettend last van angsten en verlegenheid, een leeuw komt elke keer brullen als hij ook maar iets probeert. Samen met een vriendinnetje gaat de hoofdpersoon er aan werken zodat hen ook toneel durft te spelen!
De hoofdpersoon is non-binaire, dus geen jongen en geen meisje, en gebruikt daarom hen/hun als persoonlijke voornaamwoorden [mijn Nederlands docent is nu ontzettend gelukkig dat ik nu snap wat dit betekend], ik vind het heel leuk dat we dit gaan normaliseren, maar het leest niet lekker in het Nederlands. Het verhaal springt ook nogal van hot naar her en is best flauwtjes. Als je een progressief boek zoekt of een boek over angst/verlegenheid is deze wel oké om aan te raden!
- L.
De hoofdpersoon is non-binaire, dus geen jongen en geen meisje, en gebruikt daarom hen/hun als persoonlijke voornaamwoorden [mijn Nederlands docent is nu ontzettend gelukkig dat ik nu snap wat dit betekend], ik vind het heel leuk dat we dit gaan normaliseren, maar het leest niet lekker in het Nederlands. Het verhaal springt ook nogal van hot naar her en is best flauwtjes. Als je een progressief boek zoekt of een boek over angst/verlegenheid is deze wel oké om aan te raden!
- L.
December 4, 2023
"I've spent all this time trying to get rid of you, when maybe we should have faced our fears together."
Timid by Harry Woodgate was a cute tale about a non-binary child named Timmy dealing with anxiety. They love performing but when it's time for the school play their fears take over. Timmy loves performing at home but the thought of a public audience brings out the inner voice called "Roar" that fills them with doubt.
I love how this book personifies what it feels like to have anxiety and how the inner voice of fear manifests. I loved Timmy's friendship with Nia. Nia's unconditional acceptance and support helped Timmy overcome their fears and perform. Nia was patient and provided different ways that Timmy could deal with their anxiety and her support ultimately made the difference. This is so important because many people do not understand anxiety and don't know how to help someone when they are experiencing anxiety episodes.
This book also models for children how to be a great friend and how to be proactive in a crisis. Timmy was very shy and Nia extending her friendship and trying to get to know Timmy really healed to put them at ease and be able to open up about their fears. I also appreciated how Timmy being non-binary wasn't the central focal point of the story and was just accepted as their identity.
I recommend this one for children who are extremely shy and dealing with feelings of fear and anxiety. It's also great for teaching about acceptance and friendship. Thanks to @hearourvoicestours for the opportunity to be on tour for this one.
#Timid #HarryWoodgate #books #bookstoread #bookstagram #tbr #reading #childrensbooks #libros #anxiety #mentalhealth #nonbinary #lgbtqia #bookrecommendations #igreads #picturebooks #HOV
Timid by Harry Woodgate was a cute tale about a non-binary child named Timmy dealing with anxiety. They love performing but when it's time for the school play their fears take over. Timmy loves performing at home but the thought of a public audience brings out the inner voice called "Roar" that fills them with doubt.
I love how this book personifies what it feels like to have anxiety and how the inner voice of fear manifests. I loved Timmy's friendship with Nia. Nia's unconditional acceptance and support helped Timmy overcome their fears and perform. Nia was patient and provided different ways that Timmy could deal with their anxiety and her support ultimately made the difference. This is so important because many people do not understand anxiety and don't know how to help someone when they are experiencing anxiety episodes.
This book also models for children how to be a great friend and how to be proactive in a crisis. Timmy was very shy and Nia extending her friendship and trying to get to know Timmy really healed to put them at ease and be able to open up about their fears. I also appreciated how Timmy being non-binary wasn't the central focal point of the story and was just accepted as their identity.
I recommend this one for children who are extremely shy and dealing with feelings of fear and anxiety. It's also great for teaching about acceptance and friendship. Thanks to @hearourvoicestours for the opportunity to be on tour for this one.
#Timid #HarryWoodgate #books #bookstoread #bookstagram #tbr #reading #childrensbooks #libros #anxiety #mentalhealth #nonbinary #lgbtqia #bookrecommendations #igreads #picturebooks #HOV
November 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It focuses on being shy and overcoming your fear.
When Timmy and Nia became friends, they were able to help one another out due to being shy, having fear and being able to go on stage to perform in front of an audience with confidence.
Here's a few of my favorite quotes/statements.
🟣 Timmy dreamed of one day taking the stage and sharing their stories with others.
🟣 Perhaps if they built up their confidence, they'd be able to perform after all!
🟣 "I've spent all this time trying to get rid of you, when maybe we should have faced our fears together. Perhaps you are my imaginary friend after all."
When Timmy and Nia became friends, they were able to help one another out due to being shy, having fear and being able to go on stage to perform in front of an audience with confidence.
Here's a few of my favorite quotes/statements.
🟣 Timmy dreamed of one day taking the stage and sharing their stories with others.
🟣 Perhaps if they built up their confidence, they'd be able to perform after all!
🟣 "I've spent all this time trying to get rid of you, when maybe we should have faced our fears together. Perhaps you are my imaginary friend after all."
November 28, 2023
Timid by Harry Woodgate is such a special book!
It has…
- Non-binary representation
- Shy kid representation
- The power of friendship
- Finding your inner confidence
Timmy (they/them) loves to perform in their room! But every time they consider performing in front of others, a giant lion roars their confidence away!
When Timmy meets Nia, another shy kid, and they commit to rehearsing together for the school play, things start to change…
I loved seeing Timmy come out of their shell with their new friend, Nia. I love how they learn to embrace the lion to face their fears together. And as always, I adore Harry Woodgate’s stunning illustrations!!
It has…
- Non-binary representation
- Shy kid representation
- The power of friendship
- Finding your inner confidence
Timmy (they/them) loves to perform in their room! But every time they consider performing in front of others, a giant lion roars their confidence away!
When Timmy meets Nia, another shy kid, and they commit to rehearsing together for the school play, things start to change…
I loved seeing Timmy come out of their shell with their new friend, Nia. I love how they learn to embrace the lion to face their fears together. And as always, I adore Harry Woodgate’s stunning illustrations!!
May 23, 2025
A picture book with a nonbinary child main character, yay!
This is about Timmy who is too shy to perform in their school theatre production, and makes a friend who helps them fight their fear. Their fear manifests as a lion.
I loved the artwork and all the bright colours so much. And the tiny details like Timmy's nails being painted with the trans flag colours.
The message about being brave and friendship were so heartwarming. The ending made me soft.
Also, I'd like to be as cool as the friend Timmy makes in this book. The pink glasses and pink dungarees combination looked so good.
This is about Timmy who is too shy to perform in their school theatre production, and makes a friend who helps them fight their fear. Their fear manifests as a lion.
I loved the artwork and all the bright colours so much. And the tiny details like Timmy's nails being painted with the trans flag colours.
The message about being brave and friendship were so heartwarming. The ending made me soft.
Also, I'd like to be as cool as the friend Timmy makes in this book. The pink glasses and pink dungarees combination looked so good.
August 9, 2022
Gelezen in het Nederlands waar het Durf! heet. Door vakantie niet veel zin om toe te voegen in het NL, ik wil ook wel wat vakantie. XD Het was een enorm zoet en kleurrijk boek over een jongetje dat erg verlegen is en die verlegenheid/onzekerheid vormt zich naar een prachtige leeuw. We zien hoe een klasgenootje hem probeert te helpen om samen de show te stelen bij de talentshow/musical! Ik heb genoten al werkte het hen/hun stuk niet zo goed voor Nederlands. They/them in het Engels is toch iets beter.
December 1, 2023
This picture book is FABULOUS!!! An absolutely wonderful, vivid way to show that fighting against our fears might actually not be the best way to them- that what holds us back might be trying to squash down a very real part of ourselves. I love the way in which anxiety was personified (or anthropomorphied?) to really help readers see how scary, beyond control and external anxiety can feel. As someone with anxiety, this was an absolutely treat! And as someone who also uses they/them pronouns, seeing a nonbinary character whose gender is not a focus was so awesome and affirming!!
May 10, 2023
Edition read: Dutch
SO, I find it hard to write about this book, because I honestly believe it's just translation issues that makes this a bad book to me. The story just doesn't make sense and just jumps about a lot. I did really appreciate the use of they/them pronouns (though, in Dutch hen/hun just reads weird to me idk why) but I can't give it a high rating because I like the use of they/them so all in all, a nice book to get from your library, but don't buy it yourself.
SO, I find it hard to write about this book, because I honestly believe it's just translation issues that makes this a bad book to me. The story just doesn't make sense and just jumps about a lot. I did really appreciate the use of they/them pronouns (though, in Dutch hen/hun just reads weird to me idk why) but I can't give it a high rating because I like the use of they/them so all in all, a nice book to get from your library, but don't buy it yourself.
March 23, 2023
I would not allow my children to read this.
It's pushing gender identity and pronoun use on children too young to understand. Progressive left propaganda is not appropriate for the target age group.
I have no problem with Harry Woodgate's lifestyle or choice of identity but please do not confuse young children with gender identity.
It's pushing gender identity and pronoun use on children too young to understand. Progressive left propaganda is not appropriate for the target age group.
I have no problem with Harry Woodgate's lifestyle or choice of identity but please do not confuse young children with gender identity.
January 20, 2025
My daughter grabbed this from the library- she loved the pictures but the story line got kind of murky and lost, she didn’t care to sit through the whole book.
I personally feel the non binary subject touched on was kind of forced and go over young readers heads or not necessary- it took away from the story of gaining confidence and overcoming your fears.
I personally feel the non binary subject touched on was kind of forced and go over young readers heads or not necessary- it took away from the story of gaining confidence and overcoming your fears.
June 27, 2022
Timmy loves to dress and sing and perform in their room but whenever its time to try in public, his anxiety turns into a lion who prevents him from doing so. This beautiful book is about overcoming one's anxiety and showing your true self and desires.
July 20, 2022
Hoe je met je verlegenheid kan omgaan. Mooi gedaan, de boodschap is helder en duidelijk maar niet klef. Dat komt voor een stuk door de blije en kleurrijke illustrsties. Revolutionair is natuurlijk de aanspreekvorm hen/hun - wat niet makkelijk leest en oncomfortabel voelt, maar wat wel goed is.
December 3, 2022
Timid tells the story of Tommy, who loves the idea of performing in the upcoming school play if only it wasn't for their shyness. After befriending classmate, Nia, they practise different strategies to battle their timidness so they can prepare for the play...
June 15, 2023
Vibrant illustrations steal the show in this book about a kid who uses they/them pronouns and has the cowardly lion inside them when it comes to all things performance. As mom of an anxious child, this book captures so much so perfectly.
August 9, 2022
The metaphor with the lion was a little muddy for me, but I'm glad other readers enjoyed it!
April 1, 2023
Gorgeous illustrations and a sweet concept, but it didn't all quite click together for me. Still, a very nice book, and so rich in colours and kindness!
July 1, 2023
3.75 stars
July 17, 2023
Cute children's book that tells a story of a non -binary kid overcoming stake fright
July 28, 2023
solid, liked the they/them pronoun use
November 6, 2023
*3,5 - Prachtige illustraties, maar einde komt nogal plotseling en er had nog wat meer interactie met de leeuw mogen zijn van mij.
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