Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna
Image:
Genre:
Fiction
Introduction
and Justification:
There was an amazing librarian named
Cindy Walker who retired in 2019. Every year she would host two trainings.
Normally the library trainings would be only available to librarians however
these trainings were book talks that she would do for anyone interested. She
had a gift for choosing amazing book and recommending books that will stay with
the reader forever. Last year she recommended a book called Me and My Fear.
This easy picture book puts fear in perspective. Her simple two-minute book
talk had me hooked. I knew I would need to get this book, read it, and share it
with everyone. This book was the first book purchased. It has been read and
passed around from teacher to teacher. It was even shared with the school
librarian. This book is a wonderful picture books that everyone can benefit
from.
Evaluation
of book:
Me and My Fear uses
understatement to express its point. This understatement can be seen in the
illustrations. In the beginning of the book she looks like she is playing with
fear. Both seem happy to have each other. This is not what most people expect
when they think about fear. As the girl moves fear protects the girl more and
more stifling her. The writer uses fear to show the girls emotions. When the
teacher says the girls name wrong fear becomes upset and angry. This is the
authors way of saying the girl is upset and angry. When the little boy calls to
the girl she does not hear because she is looking away. Fear however, sees the
boy approaching her and trying to bond with her. Sometimes, we miss what is in
front of us because we are distracted. This simple image describes so much. She
is missing out because she is not seeing what is around.
This book is full of unexpected insights. When people view
fear, they see a different mental image. Maybe, a horror movie, or someone
screaming comes to mind. In this book fear is a caregiver. It is trying to keep
her safe. The book shows that a little fear is healthy. It also, shows that
everyone is afraid. Students and even adults sometime need this reminder. It is
easy to feel like you are all alone. It is easy to isolate yourself and not let
others in. The boy spends about half the book trying to get past fear to
welcome the girl. Sometimes, we must get past another people’s fear so they can
let us in. This book would be meaningful with those who have mental health
issues and even depression. Fear is holding them back and they need someone
strong enough to find a way in. The book also does not say that we must fight
fear. Instead it lets us know that it will shrink as we feel safe.
The composition of the book is beautiful. Its soft lines
and curves. Its use of soft varied colors. This book was designed to instill a
sense of piece. The color white was chosen to represent fear. This is not a
standard choice, but it helps fear to feel less threating and more like a
friend. The composition also shows a diverse class, modeling what more students
see in their classrooms. The illustrator also included a lot of detail work. In
one of the pictures there are posted showing ways to conquer your fears, and
how to be brave. Fear is carrying the girl past these signs never giving her a
chance to look and read them. Each detail helps to complete the story and tie
it together. From the dog at the beginning of the story to the dog at the end.
Response:
(a) The past two years have been
full of fear and self-doubt. I am not a baby person yet have a baby and I changed
jobs and districts. Both things made me really think. How do we view fear, do
we welcome it, or run away from it? This
book was meaningful to me. It gave me a new perspective on fear. Fear is
something to keep you safe, but you cannot let it control you. Both big changes in my life are blessings. This
book let me realize that. (b) I used to
view fear as something that stopped you from doing things. Fear was something
scary and dark. This book brought light into fear. Fear should be embraced, and
everyone has fears. This changed my view on fear. (f) The book is also a work
of art. Each illustration could be framed and hung in a house. Her simple
pictures flow and are tranquil and soothing. It was refreshing and not the
typical art work found in books today.
Conclusion:
This book
is a necessity in every school library. We all have fears and it is important
to embrace them and keep them small. It is also important to see everyone has
feats as well. No one is in an island. This picture would benefit those with
mental health issues, those who struggle with fear, and those who love
beautiful enriching art. The author uses understatement, unexpected insights
and a great composition of art to tell a wonderful story.
Works Cited
Sanna, F. (2018). Me and My Fear. London:
Flying Eye Books .
Tunnell, M. O., Jacobs, J. S., Young, T. A., &
Bryan, G. (n.d.). Children's Literature, Briefly. Pearson.
Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction
Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response:
http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm
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