Once When I Was Scared (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Helena Clare Pittman (Author), Ted Rand (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1993 | Series: Picture Puffins

When his mother asks him to fetch some hot coals from a neighbor just as a storm is brewing, Daniel must draw upon inner strength to conquer his fears. "Children . . . will respond to Daniel's method of dealing with his fears. Rand's dramatic pictures elevate the story."--Booklist.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When the stove goes out, young Daniel is sent to the neighbor's to get hot coals. The night is dark and foggy and Daniel is in a hurry to return home. As he runs through the woods, he stumbles, struggles to break free and discovers he has become a fleet-footed, silver-tailed fox. Later, he trips again and is transformed into a silent bobcat. Before he reaches home, however, Daniel meets a huge black grizzly bearand in place of his cat's paws are his own leather boots and mittened hands. He drops the coals on the ground and begins to shake. But once again, Daniel finds himself transformed, this time into a soaring eagle. Pittman weaves together fantasy and realism in a powerful story about conquering fear. The dramatic watercolor illustrations and Rand's flawless handling of the transformations adds vibrancy and a sense of urgency to all of Daniel's varied adventures. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4 An eerie and mysterious adventure that is sure to be popular. When Grandpa Daniel was young, he tells his grandchild, his mother sent him to borrow some coals. His fear and courage in crossing the dark, dark wood is an old theme which this wonderful book makes accessible to contemporary young readers. The young Daniel acts out similes of bravery as he makes his way. Branches entrap him, slowing his progress, but he suddenly breaks free to move easily over the ground like a swift fox. Coming home he twists like a bobcat to free himself from a gnarled tree root and becomes the powerful big cat. Are these shape-shiftings real or metaphorical? The artist's strong paintings show the changes in stop motion and in dramatic wordless double pages, the animal stretching and springing forward. The light of Daniel's firebox contrasts dramatically with the rain-soaked dark. Readers and listeners are sure to find these detailed nature pictures fascinating. The text has been carefully placed within the pictures, resulting in an unusual unity that works to give the story a meaning on several levels. Fans of Yolen and Schoenherr's Owl Moon (Philomel, 1987) will like this, as will those at the upper end of the picture book age and a little beyond. Anna Biagioni Hart, Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria, Va.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140549323
• ISBN-13: 978-0140549324
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,039,931 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will empower children!, April 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Once When I Was Scared (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

I loved this book! In dealing with the subject of fear (a common childhood emotion!), it shows children the various ways that Daniel deals with his fear and conquers the situation. I have read this book to both my sons' 1st grade story hour, and it opens up various topics to discuss - most importantly, I stress that bravery is not the absence of fear, rather it is dealing with fear and winning in the end. Another important issue it presents is the fact that "grownups" also can be afraid - and that's OK! The way that the author turns Daniel into the various animals is such an imaginative way to illustrate how he deals with his fear and appeals to children of all ages!

5.0 out of 5 stars Once When I Was Scared, November 22, 2010

By 

Kate Worland - See all my reviews

This review is from: Once When I Was Scared (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

I was an elementary school counselor for years, and often read this book with my students. It put their own concerns aside in the drama of the story, as it helped empower them to use their own skills to solve problems. Best of all, the ending evokes their imaginative powers and leads easily to discussions. Because it's also beautifully illustrated, I highly recommend it for all ages.