"Camila doesn't think of herself
as very brave, but she is.
She just doesn't know it yet.
One Monday morning, Mrs. Flores
has exciting news to share: "We'll be
going to the aquarium next week!"
It's very hard for Camila to get up and get ready for school each day. She is filled with 'what -ifs'. Many things create worry for her; her best defence is to hide. Or to say 'I can't'. At night, it gets even worse. At night, Camila is scared. She never considers that she is brave.
When her teacher announces a field trip to the aquarium, and that there will be a presentation about each child's chosen sea creature, Camila does not even want to take a permission slip home. Two of her classmates tease her.
"For the rest of the week,
Camila worries about all the
things that could go wrong
at the aquarium."
Once there, she is overwhelmed by the crowd of visitors. Trying to find a place to hide, she discovers that she is not the only one scared. Kai is worried that he won't be able to get close to a sting ray, the creature he has chosen for his report. Kai loves reading about the sting ray, but isn't certain he wants to be close to one. Will together work? Will Camila's open heart overcome her fears? Can she help Kai? Helping Kai helps Camila face her own fears and helps her realize that she, too, can be brave when she needs to be.
Pencil sketches, digitally painted offer calm in the face of many worries while also illustrating unmistakable emotions. End matter includes a list of questions that might be asked to initiate further discussion. A list of recommended reading for kids is also included.
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