Scaredy Squirrel
#4 of 9 in Scaredy Squirrel Series
on Goodreads (3,007)
What’s inside...
Scaredy Squirrel is terrified of sleeping because he fears bad dreams involving dragons, ghosts, and monsters. To avoid sleeping, he keeps himself busy by counting stars, playing cymbals, and making scrapbooks. However, his lack of sleep leads to fatigue and an alarming horoscope prediction that his dreams are about to come true. Scaredy prepares a Bad Dream Action Plan with tools like a fire extinguisher and a fan to combat his fears. The story showcases his struggle and how he handles the situation when disaster strikes, highlighting common bedtime fears in children and addressing the issue of sleep deprivation in society.
Character compass
Scaredy Squirrel
Discussion points
How do you think Scaredy Squirrel feels when he's afraid to leave his nut tree?
Can you think of a time when you were scared to try something new? What happened?
What are some of the things Scaredy Squirrel does to feel safe? Do you have anything that helps you feel safe?
Why do you think Scaredy Squirrel decides to leave his tree at the end? What changes for him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about fear and safety by relating to Scaredy Squirrel’s experiences. Use empathetic listening and validate their feelings. Draw parallels between their real-life experiences and the story to enhance understanding and connection. Highlight the moral of overcoming fears and trying new things, discussing how this can be applied in your child’s daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Scaredy Squirrel is hesitant to leave his comfort zone, but when he eventually does, he learns that stepping out can lead to wonderful new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to try new activities or make new friends, teaching them that new experiences are not only beneficial but also essential for growth.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Throughout the story, Scaredy Squirrel confronts his fears which he initially avoids due to anxiety. This helps him realize that many of his fears are unfounded.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand that facing their fears, whether it’s trying new food or speaking in front of a class, is a part of growing up and can lead to personal development.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Scaredy Squirrel exhibits quick thinking and resourcefulness when dealing with unexpected situations, showing that problems can be managed with a calm and clever approach.
Real-World Application: Children learn through Scaredy’s example to think on their feet and develop creative solutions in their daily challenges, be it in school projects or social situations.
Example Lesson: Self-Awareness
Explanation: As Scaredy Squirrel reflects on his experiences, he learns more about himself and his capabilities, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: This motif can teach children the importance of introspection and understanding their own emotions and reactions, a crucial skill in personal development.