The Big Book of Little Fears

In a project that echoes the spirit, if not the look, of Edward Gorey’s Gashlycrumb Tinies, Arnaldo catalogues alphabetically organized fears. Droll rhymes introduce children who are afraid of animals, water, new siblings, and more: “M is for Mina, panicked by snakes./ N is for Nico, made anxious by lakes.” Humorous details in the finely drafted illustrations—in a similar vein to Molly Idle’s work—help take the sting out of some of the phobias: yes, there are monsters under Jack’s bed, but they’re playing poker and watching TV. Arnaldo leaves fearful readers with a confidence booster as she reveals that the 10 letters that are conspicuously absent from her alphabetical rundown form the words gutsy and brave. Ages 3–7. (Aug.)