Too Shy to Say Hi

by Shannon Anderson, Hiroe Nakata (Illustrations)

Making friends can be tough, but this rhyming picture book will help navigate difficulties of shyness and social anxiety.

Shelli used to be pretty content in her little world, thinking that her pet friends with feathers, fins, and fur were enough. Her bird would keep her company at home, her fish would hideaway in his cave, and her dog was the social butterfly of the neighborhood. But now, Shelli is determined to try to make friends with kids at school. Readers will relate as Shelli takes brave steps toward breaking out of her shell.

Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD, with more information about shyness and social anxiety.
 

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, School, Back To School, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 9, 2021

About the author

Shannon Anderson has taught for 25 years, from first grade through college level. Her career highlight was being named one of the Top 10 Teachers who inspired the Today Show.
She is an award-winning children's book author, TEDx speaker, certified brain coach, and frequent keynote speaker. She LOVES to do author visits and coach aspiring writers. You can visit her website at www.shannonisteaching.com to find out more!

Reviews

[Heather McC]

Saying 'hello' isn't easy for everyone (and that's okay!) When Shelli is getting ready for the first day at school, she practices saying 'hello' and making the first move to make a new friend. With a little bit of practice and encouragement, Shelli tests the waters, and makes a new friend in the process. This sweet children's book is filled with empathy and information shyness and social anxiety.

[Rose Rosetree]

Before I can review this book fairly, I'd like to get something off my chest. According to this Goodreads blurb, "this rhyming picture book will help [children to] navigate difficulties of shyness and social anxiety."

Of all the overweening, unrealistic hype! Sure, this book has been published by Magination Press, which is an imprint of the American Psychological Association. But this is a picture book, not a therapist.

I'm going to read this book on its merits, not as instant therapy that offers one-size fits all succor to troubled children.

THE BOOK'S NARRATOR IS USED TO SCORE POINTS, NOT AS THE FOCUS OF A STORY

She's not a believable character, more like a cardboard cutout, like a walking-talking concept who's in need of therapy. Due to her terrible social anxiety.

For instance, early on the little girl is walking her dog, Barnabus. Supposedly -- and unconvincingly, to me -- the nameless girl has this thought:

Barnabus has no trouble
meeting friends hairless or furry.
He goes right up and greets them,
without a single worry.

Let's set aside the dreadful rhyming verse here, among the most tortured and preposterous I've ever seen in a picture book....

In reality, why would a little girl compare herself to her dog? Dogs act like dogs. Hello.

I suspect that the author is purposely laying a foundation, an unconvincing foundation, to support her idea that the nameless girl has a terrible pathology... something which the author considers A. Big. Problem.

THE BIG SOLUTION OFFERED HERE

* Practice talking to people.
* Practice this in front of a mirror.
* Take a deep breath and then talk.

Okaaaaay.

LOOK, I KNOW SOME READERS ARE REALLY INTO POP PSYCHOLOGY

Or even into therapy, whether for themselves or for their children.

Since these self-help readers are the intended market for this book, I'll give this book FIVE STARS. Note, I'm a self-help, how-to type writer, so I do understand enthusiasm for personal growth.

Personally, I doubt that this book succeeds one bit, neither therapeutically nor as a quality picture book.

[Deirdre]

Though this is catalogued as a fictional picture book, it deals with a real issue - a shy girl working through social anxiety. Shelli learns some strategies for making friends. Published by the American Psychology Association’s Children’s imprint Magination Press that insure their books contain helpful and factual information in the back matter. Reading it out loud, I found the length if some if the lines a bit inconsistent and I found myself changing a few words to make it scan more naturally to me. It could be that the editors wanted to use certain words to get across a psychological concept.

[Diana]

this is a very nice book based on a little girl being very shy. she loves her pets and she wants to talk to someone at school so she practices in the mirror. the next day she blushes and makes herself talk to a little girl. they end up playing together at recess. it's the best day ever. She knows she has a long way to go, but she's starting to peek out of her shell . rhyming text.

[Moni Ritchie Hadley]

This book addresses social anxiety in story form and includes tons of helpful information and ways to help kids in the backmatter. The main character takes comfort with her animal friends but realizes she must find a way to reach out to her classmates as well. Recommended for kids who need to build courage and strategies to make friends.

[Sharon]

Excellent choice to read during the first day(s) of school. There is always a youngster who wants to make a friend, but isn't sure on how to do it. This soothing story will be very reassuring. Reader's Note includes useful information for parents about shyness, anxiety, and fight-or-flight, as well as ideas for helping your child.

[Suzie]

I came across this by chance at the library, and it turned out to be a really cute story! I like how the author used the girl’s pets to describe feelings and showed kids how simple it can be to say hi and make a friend.

[Meredith]

A young girl works to overcome her shyness.

This picture book addresses shyness and social anxiety. Information for and advice to caregivers is included at the back.

[Pinky]

Shelli comes out of her shell and makes a friend at school.

[Patsy]

Cute book about making new friends.

[Debra]

I want a dog named Barnaby. I think if you have a shy child this story is simple in its message, reach out and interact and you will be pleasantly surprised.

[Erin]

It’s hard making friends. This childrens book is ideal for kids who are having a hard time making friends due to years of social distancing.

[Lynne Marie]

Sweet, rhymed