Written and illustrated by Elise Gravel
North Winds Press (An imprint of Scholastic Canada)
978-1-0397-2049-7
40 pp.
Ages 3–8
October 2026
Emotions can be tricky for young children—and for adults, too. Kids can become overwhelmed with good and not-so-good feelings, not understanding where these emotions have come from and how they can affect us. As in her earlier books, like It's My Body! (2022), It's My Brain! (2024), and Together: A Book About Community (2025), Elise Gravel takes a big issue like community or the brain, and redefines it in terms of how her monster characters react and feel. By making it their issue, Elise Gravel invites children to understand that fear can be everybody's concern.  |
| Illustration by Elise Gravel from My Friend Fear, written by Elise Gravel |
After acknowledging that everyone feels fear sometime and that there are many different fears—from getting lost to seeing spiders and to being alone—Elise Gravel helps kids see that there is value in fears—to protect. But fears can be debilitating and stop us from doing things, so Elise Gravel recommends being curious about our fears. By acknowledging them, and thanking them for protecting us, we can be open to opportunities that can help us grow. |
| Illustration by Elise Gravel from My Friend Fear, written by Elise Gravel |
There are lots of good messages about facing our fears in My Friend Fear. I especially like that Elise Gravel appreciates the brain's neuroplasticity and our ability to change the way that we see fears. And when you've got her innocuous monsters sharing their fears and approaches to dealing with this oft uncomfortable feeling, it makes for a captivating approach for helping our very young children with overwhelming dread. |
| Illustration by Elise Gravel from My Friend Fear, written by Elise Gravel |
People will always have things that they fear. But, if we can approach those fears with curiosity and gratitude for the protection they offer, and share that approach with very young children, then we may help find resolution for those fears and open up opportunities for personal progress.
