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About the book

Everybody is afraid of something. Inspired by some of author/illustrator Monica Arnaldo’s own childhood fears, The Little Book of Big Fears introduces 16 children, in alphabetical order, along with something each is afraid of. Darkly playful illustrations show each fear as magnifi ed and real as a child would imagine it. Readers will realize that, big or small, common or quirky, fears are normal — and maybe even a little less scary when brought to light (and made light of).

Beyond the book

The author and editor of a picture book work closely together throughout the concept, draft, revisions, and fi nishing touches of a book project. This process can take up to a couple years! Here, The Little Book of Big Fears author/illustrator Monica Arnaldo and editor Jessica Burgess talk about what sparked the ideas in the book, and share some of their own childhood worries.

The Little Bookof Big Fears

Written and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo

The Little Book of Big Fears: A Conversation Between Author Monica Arnaldo and Editor Jessica Burgess

Author/illustrator Monica Arnaldo’s childhood fears included loud noisesand toboggans.

Grades

PreK–4

Reading levels

Fountas & Pinnell: NLexile © Measure: AD 560L

Curriculum links

Language Arts:reading comprehension; word recognition strategies; making inferences; poetry

“Snakes and math and legumes, oh my! This alphabetical collection of the fears that plague children is a must-have.”

— SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

ISBN 978-1-77147-047-6HC $17.95 CDN/ $16.95 US

Editor Jessica Burgess had her own concerns with legumes.

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JESSICA: Of all the fears listed in the book, which one do you relate to the most? I think for me it’s a tie between math and beetles! Math doesn’t spook me as much as beetles do, though, and I do get pretty jumpy even thinking about cockroaches. Like, my skin is crawling right now just typing that out!

MONICA: I know how you feel—creepy crawlers in general make me so jumpy—though I’d have to say in the book, I relate most to poor Xiu Li, who ended up lost in the mall. I’ve always had a terrible sense of direction, so I tend to get lost pretty easily. As a child I was terrifi ed of straying too far from my parents in grocery stores or shopping centers. Even now I sometimes worry about losing my way when traveling to new places. Is there anything you were scared of as a kid that still scares you now?

JESSICA: I have a terrible sense of direction too! But it’s funny —the only place I don’t get lost is the mall. I don’t know why—I guess I must have spent too much time hanging out there as a kid. The biggest thing that scared me as a kid that still scares me now is fi re. I think this might be why I volunteered to be my offi ce’s co–fi re warden! Did your own fears inspire you to start making this book? The way you combine humor and fear is so natural and genuine.

MONICA: I’m happy you think so! My own childhood fears were defi nitely a factor. Growing up, when I was faced with something I found scary, like a dark bedroom or a trip to the dentist, my imagination would often run wild and make everything seem that much spookier. I wanted to write and illustrate a book that would address those same feelings, which I think lots of kids have, but in a way that was lighthearted and silly enough to hopefully laugh about. Laughter can be such an incredible tool for dealing with fear, and a slight change in perspective can take something from terrifying to amusing. Edward Gorey walked that line so well, and his classic The Gashlycrumb Tinies was another big inspiration for me when working on The Little Book of Big Fears.

JESSICA: I know what you mean about walking that line of terrifying and amusing. I love being really scared, but I think the best horror movies or scary books also have something funny or surreal in them. Roald Dahl seemed like he walked that line really well in a lot of his books. Everyone has their personal threshold too, which is so interesting—Charlie and the Chocolate Factory never scared me, but Matilda gave me nightmares! In The Little Book of Big Fears I think readers will fi nd that same dynamic—a fear and Some of Monica’s early sketches

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something funny for everyone. Do you remember any books that really captured that same spirit from when you were a kid?

MONICA: Absolutely! I remember being obsessed with Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. There was something so brilliant about the way the author let you know terrible things were coming in this slightly humorous way, and somehow you’d fi nd yourself compelled to read through to the unhappy conclusion. I found those books genuinely irresistible as a child. If The Little Book of Big Fears managed to capture even a hint of that same energy then I think readers will have lots of fun with it.

JESSICA: Finally, how did you come up with all the fears in the book? They are so relatable! Are they all fears that you’ve had or that friends have had? I can think of someone I know for each of these fears, I think!

MONICA: Coming up with each of the fears was so much fun! I made a big list of everything I could remember ever having scared me, and asked friends and family for input as well. Getting people to recall their childhood fears and to put themselves back in that headspace led to some pretty funny conversations—it’s crazy what a little time and perspective can do! In the end I had a really, really long list of spooky and silly things to choose from, and a nice reminder that even though fear can be such an isolating emotion as a kid, the truth is you’re far from alone.

One of the best ways to face fears is to be GUTSY and BRAVE!

THE END.