ldren feel in large groups, (Schneider, 1999, p. 115). Shy children may choose friends whom they know regard them positively as opposed to other children whom they do not know their opinions of them or view them negatively. By practicing this method of choosing friends shy children avoid the fear of negative evaluation, and are able to form close friendships with other children who accept their shy attributes (Schneider, 1999, p. 116). These friendships serve to help shy children overcome their shyness. Several childrens books depict shy children overcoming shyness from the strength of a close friendship. Buster: The Very Shy Dog by Lisze Bechtold depicts a shy character befriending another shy character. In this book the two shy friends through a birthday party together, which helps them both feel better about themselves and thus a little less shy. A second book called The Blushful Hippopotamus, by Chris Raschka explores the relationship of a shy hippo with a less shy bird. The hippo named Roosevelt becomes blushful whenever his mean older sister is around. Then Roosevelt asks Lombard the bird if he is a blushful hippopotamus, Lombard continuously responds that Roosevelt is not blushful and gives him confidence to stop blushing and to ignore his sisters taunts. This conformation from a close friend gives Roosevelt the strength to overcome his shy side.Childhood shyness is a fairly new topic, for only in the past twenty years has it really been focused on in the research arena (Kemple, 1995). Shyness can be a real problem for many children and it is important that it, along with other aspects of social and emotional development, be addressed in the classroom. Shy children need to know that they are not alone in their feelings. This can be accomplished by sharing childrens books that address these issues. Many children will not go to a teacher to express their feelings of emotional distress, especially if it is a shy child. Teachers need...
