This excellently written book explains shyness in terms that children will respond to and also gives some hints as to how to begin to overcome shyness. This is all done subtly and with great sensitivity. The gentle pictures are also very much part of the message and say things that can't be said in the text. Shyness can mean that you think people don't like you, that they don 't want to talk to you or play with you. It can cause tummy ache and make you want to be on your own. But there are things that can only be done with other people, so it can be a good idea to try to be less shy. Shy people have pluses too: they are often more careful and think ahead. Grownups are shy sometimes too, and it can be helpful to talk to your parents or someone else you trust about the times they have felt shy. Even very self-confident people can be shy or fearful about some things. Little things like saying hello to people, or just smiling, or helping someone else who is shy can help you to feel better about yourself. At the end of the story we learn a special secret: 'when you find yourself worrying about what others are thinking of you...most of the time they are wondering what you are thinking of them!' A lovely book!