Sasha Feels Shy

By Author / Illustrator

Natalia Shaloshvili

Genre

Personal Growth

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529532890

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

02-07-2026

Synopsis

Sasha wants to join in on a playdate, but her shyness keeps getting in the way. A kindhearted, funny, reassuring story for anyone who needs more time warming up in this socially extroverted world. "Models empathy for shyness of all stripes" Kirkus Reviews

Sasha has been invited to a playdate at Leo's. Leo bounces up and down as he wants to play cafe, start a band, and fly to the moon. It's all too much for Sasha who wants to go back home. How can Sasha manage her shyness and show Leo that she really does want to make friends?

A reassuring story for anyone who has ever felt shy, and for those of us who need more time to warm up socially. In a world that focuses on extroverts, this little wolf cub shows that introverts enjoy company too ... when they're ready to play!

A funny, heartwarming picture book that explores shyness with empathy, by the award-winning creator of Pavlo Gets the Grumps.

Reviews

Jen

Sasha is going to play at her friend Leo's house. She is pleased but feeling shy and is not sure she will enjoy herself. Leo introduces lots of game ideas but Sasha is feeling too shy to play until she shares her feeling with Leo. Once she has shared her feeling, she feels much more confident.

Sasha Feels Shy is a lovely simple story to teach young children that feelings are ok and sharing them can make you feel better. A good book to share with a child just before a playdate with a new friend, and to explore empathy; the adult and child can talk about how we all have feeling and that it is ok to feel how you do. Perfect for children age 3-6.

Picture book / Reviewed by Jen Bevan, teacher