Fraidy Dog

Reviews / Votes

Bold, bright colours and almost 3D at times ... Little children will relate to Fraidy as he jumps and scampers before finally conquering his fears. A fun story with a very appealing central character to deliver its reassuring message. -- Books for Keeps the reader is drawn into the movement of each carefully arranged illustration, the chaos adding to the dynamism of the story and the playful characters. This is an enjoyable picturebook for younger children who may find comfort in a character who learns to conquer his fears -- CBI's The Best Irish Books of 2025 the most comforting aspect of this colourful picture book may be its affirmation that even those who appear bravest are still scared of some things. A chaotic canine caper for younger readers, author-illustrator Kate Sheehy, continuing the theme of animal mayhem from her previous picture book Too Many Cats! -- Irish Examiner a charming, light hearted tale of Fraidy the dog overcoming his fears with the help of a new friend ... the illustrations are the central focus here and burst with life and vigour. Bright, clean blocks of colour offer an impressive level of texture and detail on repeat viewings. The inventive assignment of human characteristics to household objects like the vacuum cleaner, the sofa, and even the house makes Fraidy's fear seem visceral and alive. The reader is drawn into the movement of each carefully arranged illustration; spilt pot plants, scattered socks, floating feathers all add to the dynamism and motion of the story and the playful characters ... an enjoyable picturebook for younger children, who may find comfort and relatability from a character who learns to conquer his fears and anxiety. The delightful illustrations will engage and captivate readers of all ages. -- Frances Haworth an adorable picture book with an economy of language and bright, beautiful illustrations that the youngest among us will just love ... Comforting, funny, reassuring, silly and utterly delightful; Fraidy Dog will be an instant hit. A sweet and perfect story to share over and over with the littlies -- Fallen Star Stories Sheehy's bold illustrations are full of energy, and the simple text is very funny. This is a useful book to share with a child who sometimes feels afraid as it could open up a conversation about the topic in a gentle way. -- Irish Independent