I Don't Know Why?I Guess I'm Shy: A Story About Taming Imaginary Fears

Sammy Samson is shy…too shy to speak to kind Mr. Miller, who used to be his bird-watching buddy, or to friendly Mr. Daniels, the ice cream man. But one day, when Sammy's beloved dog Sparky gets lost, Sammy forgets all about his shyness and can think only of finding his missing pup. Soon enough, he's talking to everyone!

Most children go through a period or two in their young lives when they are afraid of new people and unfamiliar places. Whether your child is experiencing the occasional pang or has been wrestling with more pervasive fears, I Don’t Know Why … I Guess I’m Shy can help.

The fun-filled, encouraging story shows how most fears that underlie shyness are based on imaginary concerns, and it suggests new ways for children to respond to situations that make them uncomfortable. Following the story, a special section for parents explains the phenomenon of shyness, describes how best to use this book, and offers an extensive list of proven methods for assisting your child through this usually normal though uncomfortable stage.

From the Note to Parents:

Although this book focuses exclusively on shyness with adults, the underlying psychology (fear of anger, criticism, failure, and embarrassment) operates in other situations that trigger shyness—with peers, large groups, performances, and unfamiliar people and places. This story focuses on shyness with adults because children typically view this manifestation as less shameful than, say, shyness around peers, and they can therefore claim it more readily and discuss it more candidly. 

In addition, guidelines for parents' behavior are offered throughout the store. Mrs. Samson poses thoughtful questions but doesn't probe or insist on answers. She reassures, makes gentle suggestions, and encourages self-exploration but does so with humor, affection, and unobtrusive interest.