Scaredy Cat

Gabe is very shy especially at school where he struggles to speak up. So, when his teacher tells him that next week it will be his turn to talk to his classmates about a book he has enjoyed he’s really worried. When he gets home however, his mum introduces Art, a cat they’ve adopted from the rescue shelter. Art is even shyer than Gabe and hides from the noise in all manner of different places including underneath Dad’s hat. The other family members endeavour to lure the moggy out but Gabe understands and knows just how he feels so he makes a plan. First he sits quietly in the living room reading his favourite comic book. Day by day, little by little Art emerges from wherever he’s hidden himself and comes closer to Gabe, until after a week, there to Mum’s joy are her son and Art sharing the book, the latter sitting on Gabe’s knee: a bond has formed between the two.

Come Monday morning, the day for Gabe’s book report, he’s completely forgotten about it, but it’s evident as he stands up before his classmates that the time he’s spent talking with Art has really made a difference and despite still feeling a bit like hiding, it’s boosted his self-confidence so much that he is able to tell them about his comic book, gradually getting braver until suddenly he hears clapping and receives congratulations from his teacher.

This is a reassuring story where we see that everyone gains confidence in their own time; quiet talking is the way to go. Ken Wilson-Max’s illustrations are full of warmth and a great complement to Alex Falase-Koya’s text. Ideal for sharing in the classroom especially as children could be navigating feelings of shyness just like the book’s protagonist.