Little Kids, Big Emotions: Shy

Alright, so we’ve already looked at a few of the more “common” emotions, but our series isn’t over yet! So, after happy, sad, and mad, we’re now focusing on kids feeling shy. I think that shyness often encompasses a few different things for kids including quiet and introverted kids. They might not necessarily be shy, but it may come off as shyness if you’re not familiar with them.

I think these books push a little more towards “coming out of your shell” and maybe being a little more bold. With the previous emotions, the books focused more on validating the emotions and learning about them and how they make you feel. In this book list, it felt like books were a little more pushy about helping kids make friends or take the spotlight. It’s an interesting juxtaposition and while it’s not a bad idea for kids to try new things and have feelings of bravery, there’s nothing inherently wrong with being shy. Zero to Three has some really great information for parents and caregivers who may have a shy child and ways in which you can support them. It’s definitely something to check out.

Do you find it odd that picture books about being shy are different from those I’ve shared in our other emotions book lists? Do you have any other suggestions to share, I’d love to see them in the comments below!

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Little Kids, Big Emotions: Shy

Crunch: The Shy Dinosaur by Cirocco Dunlap, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli

Crunch is a lovely and quiet brontosaurus who has hidden himself in some shubbery and is rather shy. He would like to play, but it will require some gentle coaxing from you! If you are patient and encouraging, you will find yourself with a new friend!

This book is a warm, funny example of how to engage with someone new, who is perhaps a bit different from you. Lessons in friend-making (such as minding personal space and demonstrating interest in another’s hobbies) are delivered so subtly that children will absorb them unconsciously as they delight in Crunch’s silly hat and dance moves!

Disappearing Desmond by Anna Alter

Desmond likes to disappear, blend into the background, and hide in the cleverest of places. But when a new student named Gloria arrives at his school, Desmond finds himself noticed for the first time. Can Gloria help Desmond get used to the life in the spotlight?

Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago

Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z.Drago’s vivid illustrations tella sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.

Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats by Alicia Potter, illustrated by Birgitta Sif

Miss Hazeltine is opening a very special school for shy and fearful cats. They come from all over, and Miss Hazeltine gives them lessons in everything, from “Bird Basics” to “How Not to Fear the Broom.”

The most timid of all is Crumb. He cowers in a corner. Miss Hazeltine doesn’t mind. But when she gets in trouble and only Crumb knows where she is, will he find his inner courage and lead a daring rescue?

Shy by Deborah Freedman

Shy loves birds. He’d love to watch them fly and hear them sing, but he’s only ever read about them in books. . .until a real bird comes along.  He’s dying to meet her, but there’s just one problem:  Shy is, well, shy–so shy, in fact, that he’s afraid to leave the gutter of the book.  Can Shy overcome his fears and venture out onto the page?  This sweetly relatable picture book from the acclaimed Deborah Freedman speaks to every child who’s ever felt like hiding instead of facing the daunting world.

Shy Ones by Simona Ciraolo

This delicate picture book about a quiet little octopus that keeps to himself in a school of lively fish explores the topic of shyness and friendship. Stunningly illustrated by bestselling creator of Hug Me, Simona Ciraolo, this book is sure to resonate with young children across the world, particularly those who are just starting school.

Shy Willow by Cat Min

Willow is shy. VERY shy.

Her home is in an abandoned mailbox, and she’d rather stay put. Outside kids scream and soccer balls collide, trees look like monsters, and rain is noisy in a scary kind of way. It’s much nicer to stay inside, drawing. But then a young boy drops a letter in Willow’s mailbox: it’s a note to the moon asking for a special favor. Willow knows that if she doesn’t brave the world outside, the letter will never be delivered, and the boy will be heartbroken. Should she try? Can she?

Stanley’s Secret by John Sullivan, illustrated by Zach Manbeck

The only audience shy, quiet Stanley dances in front of is his pet mice, Squeaker and Nibbles. He also practices when he’s alone in empty classrooms or the gym when he helps the janitor after school, tap dancing shuffle, tippy-tap, tippy-tap. “Talent should be shared,” encourages Principal Reynolds. Can Stanley find the courage to perform in the school talent show?

Turtle Comes Out of Her Shell: A Book About Feeling Shy by Sue Graves

Turtle has a beautiful singing voice, but she feels far to shy to enter the talent show at school. By talking to her friends about it, she develops a way to overcome her shyness in a way that works for her.

Twig by Aura Parker

Heidi is a stick insect, tall and long like the twig of a tree. It’s her first day at a busy bug school, where she hopes to learn and make new friends. But finding friends isn’t easy when no one can find you!

Two Shy Pandas by Julia Jarman, illustrated by Susan Varley

Panda longs to play with Pandora next door, but he’s too shy. Pandora longs to say “Hello, Panda!” but she’s much too shy, too. Will these two shy pandas ever muster up the courage to speak to each other?

Wallflowers by Mackenzie Joy

Sometimes they call you shy. Sometimes they call you quiet, or maybe even scared. People think these are bad things, because sometimes they are LOUD.

But you are happy just the way you are. And maybe you don’t need to learn to be loud, they just need to learn to listen.