Scaredy Cat
Alex Falase-Koya and Ken Wilson-Max
Oxford Children’s Books

Gabe is extremely shy, especially at school where he frequently struggles to speak up, so imagine how he feels when his teachers says that the following week will be his turn to talk to the class about a book he has enjoyed.
Then his parents adopt a rescue cat from the animal shelter that is very timid and wants to hide itself away. Art hides in such places as a cardboard box and the clothes basket, inside a lampshade and even under Dad’s hat. Gabe understands just how Art feels so without telling his parents he decides on a plan.

He sits quietly in the living room reading his favourite comic book and little by little, day by day Art emerges from his hiding places, each time coming closer to Gabe and by the end of the week, he hops on the sofa and sits on Gabe’s knee.

Gradually a bond forms between them and on the following Monday, so involved with the cat has Gabe been that he’s forgotten about his book report until his mum says something. In the classroom Gabe still feels like hiding but he thinks how Art faced his fears and recalls some words of Captain Whisperfoot: ‘It’s okay to be scared. Bravery is doing things even though you’re scared.’ And so he speaks, gradually gaining confidence until he hears a round of applause at the end.

This is such a thoughtful, gentle, reassuring story showing how everybody gains self confidence in their own time. Ken Wilson-Max’s illustrations exude warmth and despite being allergic to cats I was able to feel the empathy between Gabe and Art. A reassuring book to share with Foundation Stage and KS1 children at home or in the classroom.