So Shy

Are you shy? Do you know someone who is shy? Old and young readers, shy or not, will empathize with Jake as he tries to find a friend. Jake is so shy that he can not ask anyone to be his friend. Jake likes to pretend that his shadow is his friend, but his shadow cannot talk. Jake knows that he needs to be brave enough to find a real friend so Jake and his shadow go to the park. Although there are many children, Jake is too shy to ask them if he can join. Jake and his shadow swing, they jump on the rocks, and they climb on a tree. But the shadow cannot talk. Then, Jake hears a girl crying. He is so concerned about the girl, that he forgets he is shy. Soon, Jake is rescuing the girl’s cat high in a tree. Jake’s shadow stays on the ground, and Jake learns he can do things all on his own. Soon, the girl and Jake and their shadows are all running along the beach. Young children who struggle with shyness will find this story to be comforting and heartwarming. 2004, North-South Books, Ages 3 to 5.