Author Interview: Fobie Friends

Fobie Friends is a first series of books that addresses childhood fears in an entertaining. The books and accompanying plush toys can be used by teachers, counselors, and educators, and the fantasy-like storytelling captures kids' imaginations. 

The Fobie Friends three-part book series features lovable characters who address childhood fears across using multiple digital and print platforms. The books are authored by a husband and wife team with academic and professional backgrounds in clinical psychology and education. The authors worked with a team of experts to create characters that depict a more child-friendly version of specific phobias by linking them with a Fobie Friend animal. The brand slogan, "Finding fun in facing your fears!" speaks to Fobie's aim of helping children to conquer their fears.

The first three books are accompanied by a specific plush toy "Fobie". They are as follows: 

-- Did My Owl Just Growl? specifically addresses the fear of the dark with Fobie Friend blue owl. 

-- Climb the Monkey Bars? That's Bananas specifically addresses the fear of heights with Fobie Friend purple gorilla. 

-- Hold Your Seahorses! Water is the Worst! specifically addresses the fear of swimming in water with Fobie Friend seahorse. 

Fobie Friends will be launching a new ebook application that will be available on Nook, Kindle, Apple, PC, and Android platforms. The books and toys are currently available for purchase on Amazon.com and FobieFriends.com. In production are books addressing the fear of being bullied at school, going to sleep-away camp, and the fear of going to the dentist's office. 

I had a chance to interview co-creator Leslie Miller to find out more.

What was the inspiration behind Fobie Friends?  Hi Bekah!  Fobie Friends was a concept created by one of our Fobie partners, Mike Pitstick.  When he approached us about the idea, we excitedly jumped on board!  We have two young children who, like most kids, have fears, so we easily bonded with the process of learning about fears in children, and ultimately creating Fobie Friends!

Why were the fears in the first three books chosen?

We had a great time talking to hundreds of kids from ages 3-10.  They have a million different answers, but we documented three fears that stood out.....the dark, high places, and water.  Also, we asked parents, teachers, and counselors what fears they commonly observed in children.  Fears tend to vary with age, but for the younger kids, dark, heights, and water coaxed us into our first three books. We read to a lot of children, and it is magical to watch them bond with the fearful character.  We certainly hope the books can be a bit helpful for frightened children! 

How do you think these books could help children who might have other fears?

Well, the books' fears vary, but the techniques for coping are basically the same.  The books are written in rhyme, and at the end of each book we use the same mantra, or what we call "fear cheer".  It is easy to memorize, so kids can use it with any fear they face.

Are there more books in the works?

Yes!!  We just finished book four which introduces a little girl who is afraid of her first day at a new school.  We are excited about this book because it has some "silliness" which is much closer to our personalities. (grin)  We are beginning a book about fitting in and bullying (such an important topic), and in the future will write about the fear of storms.  Unfortunately, we don't have a shortage of fear content.

What other tips do you have for helping overcome childhood fears?

Talk about them! Write about them! Draw them!  Ask your child to communicate fear in his/her most comfortable way.  Normally, kids are pretty verbal about fear, so continue to encourage it.  If kids understand that they and you will face fear together, it may calm them a bit.  Although it can be instinctual, encourage them to replace screaming or yelling with deep breaths and clear communication.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if these skills could be developed at a young age and taken into adulthood?  We hope Fobie Friends will be a good tool for this development!