Speak Up! 6 Picture Books for the Shy and Timid

Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend, by Mélanie Watt,
Scaredy Squirrel is perhaps one of the most well-known timid characters in contemporary children’s literature. And when I say timid, I mean he’s scared of everything. That can make it hard to get out there and make friends. But this time, he’s ready. Armed with a list of precautions, a plan, and the Scaredy Risk Test, Scaredy Squirrel sets off across the park to introduce himself to the perfect friend. But along the way, his plan goes awry, as plans often do, and Scaredy Squirrel learns that friends sometimes come in the most unexpected forms.

Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats, by Alicia Potter and Birgitta Sif
There are cats in Mrs. Hazeltine’s home. Lots of them. On the windowsills, on the bookshelves, under the chairs, and around her ankles. They come from all around, abandoned by their owners, or having never had a home at all, until they arrive on Miss Hazeltine’s doorstep. By far, the most timid of all is Crumb. While the other cats learn kitty basics such as how to pounce, and stretch, and not be afraid of the broom, Crumb remains cowered in his corner. But when Miss Hazeltine disappears, it’s Crumb who gathers his courage, remembers Miss Hazeltine’s words, and comes to the rescue.

The Invisible Boy, by Trudy Ludwig and Patrice Barton
Brian’s not disliked, exactly. He’s just…not noticed. Not in the classroom, not in the lunchroom, not on the playground. It takes the arrival of a new boy, Justin, for the others to see Brian. Justin notices Brian’s artistic talents, Justin asks Brian to be part of the group. And slowly, the other kids see Brian as Justin does. It’s a simple story, but the use of color and illustration bring this story to life, as we literally see Brian’s world transform from cold and gray, to warm and bright.

Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President Washington, by Anne Rockwell and Matt Phelan
Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize that adults were ever timid kids. Every kid learns at an early age that George Washington was the President. But how many know that he was also a shy child with a bit of a temper? Even quiet children misbehave, and even misbehaving children can grow up to be President! In this biography, author Anne Rockwell shows us the child who became the man, and the lessons and skills young George Washington learned before growing up to be President Washington.

Mary Wrightly, So Politely, by Shirin Yim Bridges and Maria Monescillo
Mary Wrightly is the perfectly behaved child. She never yells. She always remembers her manners. She is helpful, and waits her turn. Then on a trip to the toy store to buy a birthday gift for her little brother, Mary finds herself in a difficult situation. While Mary’s mother is talking to a neighbor, Mary spots two potential gifts, but each time the toy is snatched up while Mary waits politely for her mother to finish her conversation. Then she sees a blue elephant that she knows her brother will adore. When a third shopper reaches for the toy, Mary must find her voice before she loses the perfect gift. What I love about this one is that it teaches children there are appropriate times to raise your voice and be firm, while still doing so politely.

Be a Friend, by Salina Yoon
Dennis is an ordinary boy who likes ordinary things. He’s just like any other boy next door, except for one thing. Dennis is a mime. And being a mime can be a bit lonely. It’s not until he meets Joy, who greets his miming with miming of her own, that Dennis finds a true friend. Sweet and imaginative, this story speaks volumes using very few words. Just like Dennis.
What books would you recommend for shy kids?