When No One Is Watching
When No One Is Watching by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by David A. Johnson
Some children (and some grown-ups) want to be the center of attention. Some children (and some grown-ups) are happier away from the spotlight – are happier doing things on their own, or with one friend.
The main character in When No One Is Watching is creative and spunky on her own. She dances, and spins, swings high into the sky on a tire swing, and plays basketball – shooting baskets and cheering – when she is alone. But, in a group, or when lots of people are around, she changes. She feels shy, and wants to hide, or lean against a wall.
This story shows her feelings in alternating scenes of playing alone, and feeling shy around other people.
“When no one is watching, I’m brave.
I’m brave as a bear in a cave in the dark.”
But….
“When everyone’s watching, I hide.
I hide like the cat alongside the big chair.”
The main character has a good friend – a friend who is a little shy, too.
“Together Loretta and I are cozy and comfy. We’re no longer shy.
We splash in the summer and read in the fall. Together we don’t care who’s watching at all.”
This is a sweet, fun book to share with children of any temperament. An introverted child can relate to the main character, and enjoy the ways she has fun. I’m happy to have found a book that shows shyness this way – it is how the girl feels….and none of the adults are shown trying to ‘fix’ her shyness. Some children (and some grown-ups) are happier not being the center of attention. And, some prefer spending time with one close friend over being part of a big group.
That book describes me to a T when I was a child. Funny, I have changed since becoming an adult -just not right away. I love this book. I have read it many times. I love Ms. Spinnelli’s books. She is a sharp cookie when it comes to kids and how they feel and act.
Nice review, I enjoyed it. Just hopped over here from the blog hop. Nice site!
This is the first book I’ve found by Ms Spinnelli – I’ll look for others. I know many children who feel like the main character in this book – I was like that, too. Thanks for stopping by from the Kid Lit Blog Hop (and for the kind words about my site).
We haven’t read this one but are big fans of Eileen Spinelli! Thanks for sharing this on the Kid LIt Blog Hop!
Thanks for stopping by from the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
This could have been me then and now! Thanks for sharing on the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Cheryl, Hop Hostess
This could have been me, too. I still avoid large groups of people. 🙂 Thank for visiting from (and hosting) the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
I just love the idea behind the book. Both my kids are a bit on the shy side (especially my son) and I’ve been very conscious of not making any statements or judgements about their temperament. They are who they are and sometimes they “outgrow” their shyness, but sometimes they don’t. No one is the same! Thanks for sharing in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. 🙂
I try not to make statements or judgements about my children’s temperaments (both on the introverted side of things, like me), too. But sometimes, other adults will make comments about their shyness, which always surprises and annoys me. I was so happy that none of the adults in this book are trying to ‘fix’ the main character’s shyness. Thanks for your comments. And, thanks for visiting from (and hosting) the Kid Lit Blog Hop!