The Fun Book of Scary Stuff by Emily Jenkins, illus. by Hyewon Yum

For today’s Novel Novice Junior picture book review, we have a fun new book that’s perfect for anyone who gets a little scared sometimes — especially as we get closer to Halloween!

The Fun Book of Scary Stuff by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Hyewon Yum features a young boy sharing all the things he’s scared of. As he lists off each thing (like witches, ghosts, and his cousin Jemima), his dog  scoffs at each fear — until eventually the boy finds something that scares even his dog — and proves that everyone can be a little brave (sometimes, anyway).

Despite the title, the book actually isn’t scary at all — but is a great way to address fears, both rational and irrational, with young readers. As the dog shows the little boy, everyone can be brave in the right circumstances. (And also — how many of your fears are for something real?)

With charming illustrations that bring the whole story to life, The Fun Book of Scary Stuff is exactly that — a fun, sweet book about scary things (that isn’t actually a scary book at all). It is in stores now.