The Family Bookshelf
By Bob Walch

"Brownie & Pearl Step Out"
(Beach Lane Books)
by Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Brian Biggs.

The Audience: For children 3-5

The Issue: Perfect for preschoolers who might be a bit shy.

The Content: The little girl in this picture book, along with her cat is invited to a friend's birthday party. All goes well until Brownie is standing on the porch of where the party is being held. Suddenly she gets cold feet and isn't sure she wants to knock on the door.

Pearl, Brownie's cat, then darts through the pet door, so Brownie decides to follow her pet. She knocks on the door and is greeted by all her friends. The rest of the afternoon is perfect and Brownie enjoys playing games and eating ice cream and cake.

It is a good thing this little girl overcame her shyness or she would have missed a great birthday party.

The Message: Like many youngsters, the child in this story is excited about going to a birthday party until she is standing on the doorstep! Then, as often happens, she's not so sure she wants to go in the house. Of course, once she gets inside, Brownie has a wonderful time.

After reading this story, discuss with your child the problem of shyness. Point out that it is a common occurrence but one that can be overcome. Stress how much fun the little girl had with her friends once she walked in the door!

Before retiring, Bob Walch taught English in Santa Barbara and Carmel for 39 years. His reviews of children's literature appear in Central Coast newspapers and on line at the Reading Tub, Roundtable Reviews, My Shelf and Parent Click.