Little Rat Sets Sail

Some kids are fearful about new experiences. Then, there are kids who are FEARFUL about nearly everything (think: Wemberly in Kevin Henkes' wonderful book). This book was very helpful to use with my child, who is a worrier extraordinaire. Any time we can insert a book character or situation into a conversation about a certain fear ("Do you feel like Little Rat did when she had to climb that big hill?"), it distances the fear from the child enough to talk about it, and makes them feel less alone and "the only one who's ever felt this way". You don't have to be a fan of the water to understand the dynamic of The New vs. The Familiar and "Safe" in this book. This is a book for the "aquatically-challenged" and champion sailor alike.