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Afraid of Your Neighbor
A story about fear of the unknown, how easy it can be to follow a crowd, and how it only takes one friend to model kindness.
The forest has a new neighbor. No one has met him, but Frog’s ball is missing and he’s certain the neighbor must have stolen it! Most of the animal friends plan an attack . . . but Mouse has other ideas. She is determined to hear the other side of the story and give the new neighbor a chance. When the ball is returned, will the animal friends learn an important lesson?
Originally published in Belgium and The Netherlands by Clavis Books, the English translation of Afraid of Your Neighbor is now being published in North America. This clever fable cautions against the dangers of prejudice and models a heartening example of standing up for what’s right―both timely lessons sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
The forest has a new neighbor. No one has met him, but Frog’s ball is missing and he’s certain the neighbor must have stolen it! Most of the animal friends plan an attack . . . but Mouse has other ideas. She is determined to hear the other side of the story and give the new neighbor a chance. When the ball is returned, will the animal friends learn an important lesson?
Originally published in Belgium and The Netherlands by Clavis Books, the English translation of Afraid of Your Neighbor is now being published in North America. This clever fable cautions against the dangers of prejudice and models a heartening example of standing up for what’s right―both timely lessons sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
- GenresPicture BooksAnimals
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 2, 2022
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 19, 2022
This is a lovely book about making assumptions about a new neighbor. Frog’s ball is missing and it seems to be at their new neighbor, Badger’s cave. So, several of the animals decide he stole the ball and must confront him and gather weapons as well. Mouse, is the only one suggesting more caution. Mouse saves the day. It is rarely a good idea to jump to conclusions and decide someone has done a bad deed. In this case, that Badger must be a thief. I think this sends a very good message to children and adults, too about overreacting and acting harshly when you do not know the full story.
The illustrations by Malgosia Zajac are especially stunning and the reason I gave the book 5*. Both the story and the pictures capture this much needed message so well. Excellent book for all ages. Start with kindness first.
Thank you NetGalley, Katherina E. Volk, and Kind World Publishing for an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed it.
The illustrations by Malgosia Zajac are especially stunning and the reason I gave the book 5*. Both the story and the pictures capture this much needed message so well. Excellent book for all ages. Start with kindness first.
Thank you NetGalley, Katherina E. Volk, and Kind World Publishing for an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed it.
April 7, 2022
My 4 year old twin girls really enjoyed this book! Frog loses his ball in the woods, and Mouse notices that it rolled to the cave of a new neighbor. All the forest animals assume that the new neighbor, Beaver, is a beast and thief who stole the ball. Mouse is the only one who speaks up against this assumption. When they arrive at Beaver’s cave to confront him, mouse goes in first and Beaver kindly gives him the ball and invites all the animals in for chocolate milk.
Mouse stands up for what is right in this story, despite the prejudices of the other animals. My twins loved the bright illustrations and enjoyed answering the discussion questions at the end of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and Kind World Publishing for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mouse stands up for what is right in this story, despite the prejudices of the other animals. My twins loved the bright illustrations and enjoyed answering the discussion questions at the end of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and Kind World Publishing for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2022
This was a phenomenal book for young kids. When Frog loses his ball and Mouse spots the ball at the new neighbor's house, everyone jumps to conclusions and makes an assumption about how the ball came to be at that house. This book provides a great opportunity to speak to children about making assumptions about people they don't know, blindly following their friends, and making their own minds up based on evidence.
May 25, 2022
A tale that only animals can help us see ourselves in our own fears. When frog loses his ball his friends lead him to believe that a new "resident" has stolen it. With the help of their friends for reinforcement, they go out to find the lost ball and learn a valuable lesson. Actually they learn a few lessons about assumption, kindness, and fear of the unknown.
It is a funny look at ourselves thru the eyes of animals.
A special thank you to Kind Word Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
It is a funny look at ourselves thru the eyes of animals.
A special thank you to Kind Word Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
May 7, 2022
Very cute story.
The pictures are vibrant and kept my five year old daughters attention while we read together. The story gave a good lesson and I appreciated that at the end, “assumption” was broken down for her to better understand. She has now used the phrase twice since we finished!
Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
The pictures are vibrant and kept my five year old daughters attention while we read together. The story gave a good lesson and I appreciated that at the end, “assumption” was broken down for her to better understand. She has now used the phrase twice since we finished!
Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
April 4, 2022
Afraid of Your Neighbor is a book about a frog who was playing with his friends when he looses his ball. Frog and his friends begin looking for it when Mouse comes up, saying they've seen the ball in the new neighbor's yard! Immediately, the whole group (besides Mouse) are up in arms, creating a plan to get the ball back even though they know nothing about this new neighbor. The story goes on, when at the end lesson about assumptions is learned.
This was a well written story with a point, which is always nice when it comes to stories for kids. The art was quite adorable, kind of a children's drawing style. The book was clear in it's moral, and the writer even included the definition of "assumption" and some talking points at the end of the book as well to help further the conversation.
I'd definitely recommend this to those with children of the appropriate age, or for daycare/school libraries!
*I was given a copy of this title via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This was a well written story with a point, which is always nice when it comes to stories for kids. The art was quite adorable, kind of a children's drawing style. The book was clear in it's moral, and the writer even included the definition of "assumption" and some talking points at the end of the book as well to help further the conversation.
I'd definitely recommend this to those with children of the appropriate age, or for daycare/school libraries!
*I was given a copy of this title via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 1, 2022
I always appreciate Children's books which inculcate lessons within the story context. AFRAID OF YOUR NEIGHBOR teaches important wisdom about the nature of assumptions and on using logic to approach a new situation rather than automatically jumping to immediate conclusions.
April 14, 2022
Don't judge a book by it's cover. That is the ultimate moral of this story. Don't make assumptions about someone before you get the chance to meet them.
A new resident moved into the forest, but no one knows who it is. Frog's ball goes missing and immediately everyone blames the new neighbor. He must be the thief... right? With an army of friends in two, Frog goes to confront the new creature and fight for his ball back if he must. Only little Mouse is hesitant, because he knows there is more to the story. You cannot just jump to conclusions without all the facts.
The whole animal group marches up to the door and out comes a friendly Beaver with the ball in hand. He had found it by the river and was hoping to return it to the rightful owner. With the wind sucked right out of their sails, the animals realize they had been about to make a huge mistake over a silly misunderstanding because the just assumed something before learning the truth. A mistake that almost cost them a friendship.
Adorable, hand painted illustrations are fun and engaging. Plenty of great lessons for kids to learn. This story was both entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children’s book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Incorporating social-emotional topics such as this into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach important life skills in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classrooms, libraries, counselling offices and more.
A new resident moved into the forest, but no one knows who it is. Frog's ball goes missing and immediately everyone blames the new neighbor. He must be the thief... right? With an army of friends in two, Frog goes to confront the new creature and fight for his ball back if he must. Only little Mouse is hesitant, because he knows there is more to the story. You cannot just jump to conclusions without all the facts.
The whole animal group marches up to the door and out comes a friendly Beaver with the ball in hand. He had found it by the river and was hoping to return it to the rightful owner. With the wind sucked right out of their sails, the animals realize they had been about to make a huge mistake over a silly misunderstanding because the just assumed something before learning the truth. A mistake that almost cost them a friendship.
Adorable, hand painted illustrations are fun and engaging. Plenty of great lessons for kids to learn. This story was both entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children’s book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Incorporating social-emotional topics such as this into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach important life skills in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classrooms, libraries, counselling offices and more.
May 1, 2022
"Afraid of Your Neighbour" is a wonderful story about not making assumptions and not drawing factual conclusions without the evidence of your fears.
Frog loses his ball and cannot find it anywhere. He assumes that the new neighbour who has just moved into the community (whom he has never met or even seen) is the perpetrator of the theft. Frog's forest friends rally around his unsubstaniated suspicions and are ready to storm the new neighbour's home and retrieve Frog's ball. Their mob mentality and brute solidarity will surely result in getting that ball back to its owner.
Only little mouse is brave enough to confront the new arrival and seek out the truth. What will she encounter when she meets the so-called stealer? Will he be a kind, gentle, inviting new neighbour or a dangerous rogue thief ready to terrorize everyone in the forest?
The gorgeous illustrations are colourful, detailed and engaging. The author has included discussion questions at the end of the book that are sure to spark conversations about the life lesson that is being presented. It teaches that it is best to approach an unknown situation with logic and evidence rather than with your imagination and suspicion which can lead to jumping to incorrect conclusions.
I love the book and would recommend it in classrooms and elementary school libraries.
Frog loses his ball and cannot find it anywhere. He assumes that the new neighbour who has just moved into the community (whom he has never met or even seen) is the perpetrator of the theft. Frog's forest friends rally around his unsubstaniated suspicions and are ready to storm the new neighbour's home and retrieve Frog's ball. Their mob mentality and brute solidarity will surely result in getting that ball back to its owner.
Only little mouse is brave enough to confront the new arrival and seek out the truth. What will she encounter when she meets the so-called stealer? Will he be a kind, gentle, inviting new neighbour or a dangerous rogue thief ready to terrorize everyone in the forest?
The gorgeous illustrations are colourful, detailed and engaging. The author has included discussion questions at the end of the book that are sure to spark conversations about the life lesson that is being presented. It teaches that it is best to approach an unknown situation with logic and evidence rather than with your imagination and suspicion which can lead to jumping to incorrect conclusions.
I love the book and would recommend it in classrooms and elementary school libraries.
July 20, 2025
I am reading and reviewing this book after being gifted it as an eARC through NetGalley. My opinions and thoughts are honest and my own.
Everyone has made assumptions about another human, at least once, if not more.
This children’s picture book touches on why we shouldn’t make assumptions about others. This is a subject that can relate to the experience of being oppressed. I’m impressed with the author’s ability to make these themes comprehensible for children, and many adults could benefit from reading this.
A cute mushroom illustration will ALWAYS win me over, especially when they’re being used as tables by animals. I love that at the end of the picture book, there is a definition of what an assumption is, along with some discussion questions. The end of the book also tries to spark conversation around what to do when a friend is being unkind to others.
I’d recommend this picture book to parents who want to teach their children about the problems with making assumptions and about how to treat others. I read this by borrowing it from my local library. However, I will purchase this for my children’s library (when I eventually have children). This children’s picture book is a gentle reminder not to make assumptions about people, especially if it’s simply because we don’t know them.
Everyone has made assumptions about another human, at least once, if not more.
This children’s picture book touches on why we shouldn’t make assumptions about others. This is a subject that can relate to the experience of being oppressed. I’m impressed with the author’s ability to make these themes comprehensible for children, and many adults could benefit from reading this.
A cute mushroom illustration will ALWAYS win me over, especially when they’re being used as tables by animals. I love that at the end of the picture book, there is a definition of what an assumption is, along with some discussion questions. The end of the book also tries to spark conversation around what to do when a friend is being unkind to others.
I’d recommend this picture book to parents who want to teach their children about the problems with making assumptions and about how to treat others. I read this by borrowing it from my local library. However, I will purchase this for my children’s library (when I eventually have children). This children’s picture book is a gentle reminder not to make assumptions about people, especially if it’s simply because we don’t know them.
April 8, 2022
Thank you #NetGalley and Kind World Publishing for the arc of 'Afraid of Your Neighbor'.
'Afraid of Your Neighbor' is a modern fable about assumptions and why it's important to not jump to conclusions out of fear. Frog loses his ball, and when it is discovered near the home of a new neighbor, the forest animals work themselves up into believing the new figure must be a dangerous thief and rampaging beast. How quickly the friends fall into dangerous 'group think' and prepare for threats and violence is a startling but significant reflection of what can happen when assumptions are made without actual information. Only mouse questions the group and is brave enough to introduce herself to the new neighbor, discovering that he as actually kind, inviting, and generous. Discussion questions at the end help engage readers to focus on the lessons of the fable while being open-ended enough to encourage critical thinking.
The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and expressive, creatively filling the pages and compelling the reader forward. Beautiful art!
#NetGalley #AfraidOfYourNeighbor
'Afraid of Your Neighbor' is a modern fable about assumptions and why it's important to not jump to conclusions out of fear. Frog loses his ball, and when it is discovered near the home of a new neighbor, the forest animals work themselves up into believing the new figure must be a dangerous thief and rampaging beast. How quickly the friends fall into dangerous 'group think' and prepare for threats and violence is a startling but significant reflection of what can happen when assumptions are made without actual information. Only mouse questions the group and is brave enough to introduce herself to the new neighbor, discovering that he as actually kind, inviting, and generous. Discussion questions at the end help engage readers to focus on the lessons of the fable while being open-ended enough to encourage critical thinking.
The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and expressive, creatively filling the pages and compelling the reader forward. Beautiful art!
#NetGalley #AfraidOfYourNeighbor
August 11, 2022
I absolutely loved this story, and its message that just because something is unknown and scary, it doesn't make it in any way bad.
Frog has misplaced his ball down by a river, so he and his friends Hare and Duck look high and low for it with no luck. When Mouse comes by to tell them that a new neighbor has moved in and it looks like they had Frog's ball, everyone else immediately assumes the worst - the new neighbor is a thief! As Frog and his friends band together the assumptions about their unknown neighbor escalate, from them just being a thief to them being a very big, and very dangerous thief!
But luckily Mouse has his own objections, and goes against the group to gives the "dangerous" stranger a chance, with wonderful results for all.
Afraid of Your Neighbor written by Katharina E. Volk and illustrated by Malgosia Zajec is a delightful story with whimsical illustrations.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kind World Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Frog has misplaced his ball down by a river, so he and his friends Hare and Duck look high and low for it with no luck. When Mouse comes by to tell them that a new neighbor has moved in and it looks like they had Frog's ball, everyone else immediately assumes the worst - the new neighbor is a thief! As Frog and his friends band together the assumptions about their unknown neighbor escalate, from them just being a thief to them being a very big, and very dangerous thief!
But luckily Mouse has his own objections, and goes against the group to gives the "dangerous" stranger a chance, with wonderful results for all.
Afraid of Your Neighbor written by Katharina E. Volk and illustrated by Malgosia Zajec is a delightful story with whimsical illustrations.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kind World Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title!
May 28, 2022
A story about a frog who loses his ball and while in search of it another friend says they saw it by the new residents cave. Instantly assumptions are made that he must have stole it.! As they get together a group of friends to get it back the story grows more and more. While a little mouse keeps trying to speak up and finally just goes to the cave to say hi.
I absolutely love this book. It is such a wonderful story about remembering not to make assumptions and how a story can grow out of control. Don't be afraid to speak up and do the right thing. I also love this because it also is about the little story's we make up in our head and that another's point of view could be completely different.
The illustrations in this book is beautiful with a paint strike feel. The characters are expressive. Thanks you to net galley for the opportunity to review this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback. 5 stars
I absolutely love this book. It is such a wonderful story about remembering not to make assumptions and how a story can grow out of control. Don't be afraid to speak up and do the right thing. I also love this because it also is about the little story's we make up in our head and that another's point of view could be completely different.
The illustrations in this book is beautiful with a paint strike feel. The characters are expressive. Thanks you to net galley for the opportunity to review this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback. 5 stars
August 16, 2022
When Frog hears that his missing ball is at the new neighbor's house, he automatically assumes that his toy was stolen. He gathers friends to help him confront the thief. They insist on bringing weapons. Luckily, one small creature offers the voice of reason . . . and a sensible solution to the problem.
A nice lesson in how making assumptions about the unknown can be harmful.
And, I LOVED the author's gorgeous illustrations.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Kind World Publishing for the read.
A nice lesson in how making assumptions about the unknown can be harmful.
And, I LOVED the author's gorgeous illustrations.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Kind World Publishing for the read.
May 17, 2022
Afraid of your Neighbor is a book all about giving others the benefit of the doubt. Frog can't find his ball. Mouse says they found it near a new neighbor's home, and the rest of the friends take up arms to get the ball back. While I liked the premise and agree that people need to work on processing situations without jumping to conclusions, this book could really use a specific call out of how wrong the mob's actions were. I would have loved to be able to talk with my child citing when the frog felt bad and apologized for jumping to the wrong conclusion. I like that the book said to "Talk About It", to reinforce the moral of the story, just wish it was more. The illustrations were engaging and colorful!
July 22, 2022
The art is PHENOMENALLLLL!!
The characters are FREAKING cuter than pie, and the storyline is simple and conveys the message that ALL OF US need to hear- not only kiddos:
-we shouldn't make assumptions before we know the whole picture or someone
-we should form our OWN opinions about people or situations instead of 'following the crowd'
-we should ALWAYS treat everyone with kindness
I loved how the items that the animals initially brought with them to confront their new neighbor ended up being re-purposed into tools to bring them together- creating a bonfire and stuffing their faces with pancakes, because WHO DOESN'T LIKE PANCAKES?!!? YUMMO!
By the end of this, I wanted to live in the Hares den, drink hot chocolate and eat pancakes with my new friends!
The characters are FREAKING cuter than pie, and the storyline is simple and conveys the message that ALL OF US need to hear- not only kiddos:
-we shouldn't make assumptions before we know the whole picture or someone
-we should form our OWN opinions about people or situations instead of 'following the crowd'
-we should ALWAYS treat everyone with kindness
I loved how the items that the animals initially brought with them to confront their new neighbor ended up being re-purposed into tools to bring them together- creating a bonfire and stuffing their faces with pancakes, because WHO DOESN'T LIKE PANCAKES?!!? YUMMO!
By the end of this, I wanted to live in the Hares den, drink hot chocolate and eat pancakes with my new friends!
April 15, 2022
This book is about a new neighbour in the forest, and the assumption that this new neighbour stole Frog's missing ball! This is a great book to teach about prejudice and assumptions and learning about those who are different to us. The illustrations are really neat, I love seeing the animals' houses like the Hare's burrow which is underground and has a bunch of pictures of a million bunny family members (that's a fun joke for the adults!). The book suggests the age range of 4 to 9 and as a grade 3 teacher I would definitely agree. I could see my students loving this book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this awesome book!
June 1, 2022
The cute animal characters and intriguing title drew me to the book. The animal neighborhood gets a new resident and the animals lose their ball to them. They concoct a plan to get their ball back from the unknown neighbor. I like the air of mystery in the story. The themes featured are judging someone before you know them, violence not being an answer, teamwork, togetherness, group think, fear of change/newness, assumptions, kindness, and also of trying to speak up when you have a differing opinion in a group setting (ex: Mouse).
The art was very well colored.
*ARC provided by Kind World Publishing and NetGalley.
The art was very well colored.
*ARC provided by Kind World Publishing and NetGalley.
June 11, 2022
It's not only children who a$$ume the worst about unfamiliar people. When my grandparents came to the US, they huddled in an enclave of people from their country and read newspapers in their own languages because they were afraid of the established people who were, in turn, afraid of them.
This is the very thing that is presented and the fear and assumptions by the forest dwelling animals to the newcomer. Teach the children that the cycle of fear may be broken.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book from Kind World Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
This is the very thing that is presented and the fear and assumptions by the forest dwelling animals to the newcomer. Teach the children that the cycle of fear may be broken.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book from Kind World Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
May 1, 2022
A perfect picture book that speaks to something that is prevalent in our society no matter what age. Assumptions isolate and create misunderstandings.
The whimsical illustrations are very appropriate. I love the community built by these diverse animals and that the author didn't decide to make the fox the apparent villain as usual. I love a great animal character book.
The whimsical illustrations are very appropriate. I love the community built by these diverse animals and that the author didn't decide to make the fox the apparent villain as usual. I love a great animal character book.
June 10, 2022
'Afraid of Your Neighbor' has cute engaging illustrations. The story is a bit of a smack-you-in-the-face with the lesson, but overall kids will like to go on this little adventure with these forest friends.
WHO SHOULD READ IT: Young children who enjoy animal stories.
Thank you @Netgalley and @ibpalovesindies for early access to this ARC in return for an unbiased and voluntary review
WHO SHOULD READ IT: Young children who enjoy animal stories.
Thank you @Netgalley and @ibpalovesindies for early access to this ARC in return for an unbiased and voluntary review
June 1, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Kind World Publishing for a free digital copy.
This is a great book about assumptions. I thought the story was so funny and the illustrations were great! A great message for kids to learn about not jumping to conclusions.
This is a great book about assumptions. I thought the story was so funny and the illustrations were great! A great message for kids to learn about not jumping to conclusions.
July 5, 2025
The perfect book for helping children and adults understand how making assumptions can lead us all down the wrong path. Kindness is a much better alternative. The forest characters depict our human characteristics perfectly.
April 3, 2022
This was a great book with such a great lesson. The illustrations were gorgeous! I really appreciated the lesson learned and the questions at the end.
Want to Read
May 2, 2022Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 27, 2022
A quick story about how we make assumptions about others that encourages readers to model kindness. Includes discussion prompt for parents after the story.
August 25, 2022
an interesting fabel about making friends. i love the colorful illustration so much. the moral value is don't judge a person by its first impression.
September 26, 2022
I loved the underlying message this story shares. I also thought it was interesting how the items that were originally used to be “weapons” were repurposed into something far better at the end!
December 25, 2022
Always love a good story that teaches a lesson through their animal characters.
I did enjoy the pictures that went along with the story.
I did enjoy the pictures that went along with the story.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews