Don’t Be Mean to 13, by Douglas Harris/Illustrated by Robyn E. Blumner, (Oct. 2023, Label Free Publishing LLC), $12.95, ISBN: 978-1952843136
Ages 4-8
I’ve always gotten a kick out of Friday the 13th, but I get that it’s a real phobia for some people. Harris and Blumner mean to help folks get past that fear with this informative and fun book that dives into triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13. Our narrator is a kid who introduces us to their friend, 13, illustrated as an adorable black fluff with googly eyes and a big smile. They’re cuddly and affectionate, and seem to be pretty horrified that folks would be afraid of them… or their buddy, Friday, shown as a bright red sphere with a “FRI” headband. The narrator discusses triskaidekaphobia and friggatriskaidekaphobia, the fear of 13’s friend, Friday and works on quelling fear through education: some think the fear of the 13th comes from Norse mythology; others, from ancient cultures. A conversational tone paired with sweet illustrations of a friendly fluff who wouldn’t hurt a fly ease readers into confronting fears, but Harris leaves room for growth by acknowledging that just one book may not be enough. A good addition to consider for collections.
Mom Read It 