A little squirrel announces that he was once very, very scared and finds out that he is not alone.
I wonder what scared you?
This story was written to help children and grown-ups (parents, teachers, and other important adults) understand how stress can affect children and ways to help them.
In the story, lots of little animals went through scary experiences, but they react in different ways. Turtle hides and gets a tummy ache, monkey clings, dog barks, and elephant doesn’t like to talk about it. They need help, and they get help from grown-ups who help them feel safe and learn ways to cope with difficult feelings.
Praise for Once I Was Very Very Scared
A Look Inside
Please feel free to use these images for book reviews and promotional purposes.
The little animals talk about things that scared them.
They learn that they each react in different ways when they're scared.
They learn what to do when they have difficult feelings.
They talk about the things that help them feel safe and less scared.
Finding a safe place and a safe person helps a lot.
And the little animals are able to learn and play.
Resources
Free PDF Version
A free PDF version is available for use in trainings and for personal noncommercial use provided you honor the copyright and use guidelines on the download page.
Free Video Version
Listen to the story as read by the author. You may share this version in trainings, provided you follow the Use Guidelines.
Preschool Guide
New York State Pyramid Model and Book Nooks developed a lovely guide to support teachers in using the story. You can access the guide from their site.
Once Symptom Screener
Both the symptom pictures and full screener are available by completing a brief survey. We are continuing to pilot and refine the tool and want to remain in contact with those using it to get feedback and provide updates.
Free Webinar
The animals from Once I Was Very Very Scared help us understand common reactions to stress and ways that we can support healing and recovery.
Free Webinar: Spanish
Los animalitos del libro "Una Vez Tuve Mucho Mucho Miedo" nos ayudan a entender reacciones comunes al estrés y formas en que podemos apoyar a niños y a familias quienes han experimentado trauma.
Free Finger Puppets
Free finger puppets of all the animals are available to help families tell their story.
Free Handouts
Free handouts and coloring sheets.
Merchandise
Our friends are featured on posters, mugs, phone cases and more. Visit our store to learn more.
Trinka and Sam Stories
Free Series to Support Families After Disasters
Click on the image to learn more about the different Trinka and Sam story versions.
COVID-19
Fires
Earthquake
Hurricane
Tornadoes
Some of the Organizations Recommending Our Book
These are some of the organizations recommending our book on their websites. There are many others who are using our books widely in their program. We share them because people often want to know if individuals and organizations have found our books to be useful. Community organizations, school districts, health organizations, government organizations, and national organizations are sharing and recommending our book.
