Families who loved I'm Not Scared! A Book of Scary Poems by John Himmelman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing a bout of 'the scaries,' whether that is a fear of the dark, anxiety about a looming dentist appointment, or nerves regarding a new teacher. This collection of poems takes common childhood stressors and reframes them through a lens of humor and absurdity. By personifying monsters and exaggerating daily worries, the book helps demystify the things that go bump in the night. While the title sounds spooky, the tone is lighthearted and rhythmic, making it an excellent tool for emotional regulation. It is perfectly suited for children aged 6 to 9 who are beginning to navigate the social anxieties of school and the imaginative fears of bedtime. Parents can use these poems to open a dialogue about what their child finds frightening, using the book's silly resolutions to lower the stakes of those big feelings.
