Captain Starfish

Written by Davina Bell

Illustrated by Allison Colpoys

Published March 20, 2018

Why we chose this book:
T can be hesitant in joining others to play at our playgroup or the park. When I saw this book about a child who also experiences reluctance in social circumstances, I thought it could be a valuable read. The publisher, Abrams Books, provided a review copy.

Mom's Review

A young boy with social anxiety is lovingly supported by his parents.

More than anything else, this is a story about unconditional love. The parents accept their child for who he is, without putting demands or stressful expectations on him. When Alfie, the boy, feels "that feeling" (we are given reason to believe he experiences social anxiety), his parents reassure him of their support, but do not force him into situations where he feels uncomfortable. The mom turns the car around en route to a costume party when he no longer wants to attend; the dad agrees with him that it doesn't matter if he skipped a school parade. In the end, Alfie's visit to an aquarium prompts him to reflect on his feelings about social participation. He resolves that he can participate a little bit in the future, maybe. The final page skips ahead to the next year in school, showing that Alfie does indeed participate in a school parade. Our major takeaways: It's okay to participate or not, everyone has different comfort levels, and parents are there to love and support unconditionally. The entire book presents a beautiful message.

Son's Review
(age 3)

Mom: Will you tell me what you thought of this book?

Son: I thought it was good, and it made me happy.

Mom: What part made you happy?

Son: Where he got ice cream.

Mom: It seemed like Alfie was afraid to join the parade. Do you ever feel afraid of something?

Son: Yeah. I'm afraid of bullet ants.
(We recently read a book on ants and learned that there are bullet ants, whose bites are very painful.)

Mom: It's normal to be afraid of things sometimes. If you knew Alfie, what would you say to him?

Son: "You'll be okay."

Mom: Would you want to be friends with him? What if he felt nervous and didn't want to do something?

Son: Yeah...I'd say it's okay [to not do something].

Mom: Where might you like to go with Alfie...What do you think Alfie might like to do?

Son: Go to the library...Read books at the library.

Mom: What did you learn from this book?

Son: That it's okay to be nervous.

Mom: And when might it be a good time to read this book?

Son: At lunchtime...and breakfast...and nap time.

Mom: What's the most important thing to know about this book?

Son: That it's so good. That he gets to go to the aquarium.

T wanted to be in the photos for this book, 
too. He's flipping through to find his 
favorite page.