Captain Starfish

Name: Captain Starfish
ISBN: 9781683352846

For the child navigating shyness or big feelings, this gentle story encourages finding inner strength and a voice. It's a heartwarming tale of growing confidence.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when their normally chatty child becomes quiet and withdrawn at preschool or school, or for any child navigating the complexities of shyness. Captain Starfish tells the story of Alfie, a boy with a rich inner world who feels invisible in the busy classroom. When his observant teacher notices his love for the ocean, she gives him a special role: caring for the class starfish. This gentle responsibility helps Alfie find the courage to share his passion and connect with his peers. For ages 3 to 7, this is a beautifully illustrated, reassuring story that validates quiet children and shows how finding a way to share a personal interest can be a powerful key to building confidence and friendship.

Self-Confidence & Identity Starting School Making Friends Ocean & Marine Life Loneliness & Belonging Being Different School Life Friendship & Social

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Depicts a child's feelings of loneliness and invisibility at school due to shyness.

Sensitive Topics

The core topic is social anxiety and shyness. The approach is gentle and metaphorical, using visuals (Alfie is drawn in grayscale while others are in color) to represent his feelings of invisibility. The resolution is both hopeful and realistic: Alfie does not become a boisterous extrovert, but he finds a comfortable way to participate and connect. The approach is entirely secular.