I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared

Comedian Meyers, making his picture book debut, skillfully employs classic story- telling elements of repetition, patterned action, and a cumulative recap in a breezy readaloud starring an easily terrified ursine protagonist. When brave, strong-eared Rabbit persuades Bear, who’s afraid of everything from intruders to his own reflection, to go on a trekking adventure, Bear proves petrified of just about everything the landscape holds. There’s a small stream that “looks deep,” a wood that “looks spooky,” and a mountain that “looks like one of the rocks will fall and roll and land on my paw.” Asked over and over whether he’s afraid, though, Bear utters the title phrase turned refrain. Bear isn’t just defensive; he’ll go to any length to avoid perceived peril, taking a train and a helicopter to scale the mountain while Rabbit forges ahead on foot (and naps until Bear shows up). But when Rabbit needs rescuing, Bear forgets his fear, overcomes every obstacle in his path, and saves the day. Sayegh’s (Arlo Draws an Octopus) digital illustrations offer impeccable visual timing and comic expressiveness in cinematically framed, richly textured images. It’s a satisfyingly silly adventure that doesn’t undercut Bear’s need for the occasional life hack. Ages 3–7. (Mar.)