The Bear Under the Stairs - COOPER, H

An attractive picture book dealing with fear of the unknown.  A small boy believes a bear lives under the stairs so he feeds it to keep it happy.  Eventually his mother helps him clean out the cupboard, but they don't find a bear - he has gone away.

Doubleday

1993

9780385402101

4+

Izzy and Skunk - FITZPATRICK, M

Izzy's puppet friend, Skunk, helps her overcome her many fears.  When Skunk gets lost Izzy has to rescue him on her own and, by so doing, grows in confidence.

David & Charles

2000

9781862331549

3+

The Bear Who Didn't Like Honey - MAITLAND, B

Little bear is ridiculed by his siblings over his fears but when tested he proves he can be brave.  A reassuring story of overcoming fears.

ABC

1996

9781854062369

3+

Max at the Seaside

Max is not at all sure about the sand and the moving water, but Molly coaxes him to the edge to paddle, and he decides he likes the splashes.  Board book format.

Red Fox

2007

9781862303157

2+

The Best Dog in the World - MOSS, M

A small boy faces his fear of dogs and the dark, and comes to love his grandma's dog

Macmillan

2003

9780333962305

3+

Freddie goes on an aeroplane - SMEE, N

Freddie & Bear fly to Spain to see Uncle Teddy.  First experience of flying simply portrayed.

Orchard

2003

9781843622178

3+

Worried Arthur - The Big Match - STIMSON, J

Arthur is frightened of failing in his first appearance in a school football match.  Useful, fun discussion book.

Ladybird

1997

9780721497075

3+

Don't Worry, Grandpa - WARD, N

Charlie reassures Grandpa that the thunder is just giants playing.  An inventive story, with a reassuring message.

Hutchinson

1994

9780091766603

4+