--- title: "When Fear Gets Mixed Up | A Children's Book by Karen Winter" url: https://winterslumber.com/books/when-fear-gets-mixed-up/ description: "A gentle, funny picture book about a little Fear who means well but gets mixed up, and the words that help children when Fear gets loud." --- ![The cover of When Fear Gets Mixed Up: Ellie peeks around a tree with Fear, a small blue creature in a teal hoodie, at her side](https://winterslumber.com/_img/books/when-fear-gets-mixed-up/cover-1200.jpg) A Picture Book by Karen Winter · Ages 4 to 8 # When Fear Gets Mixed Up Ellie & Lucy's Backyard Adventure A story about a little Fear with a big heart... and the words that help your child when Fear gets loud. [Get the Book on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HLY9RVD7)  ![Fear, a small blue creature in a teal hoodie, yellow rain boots and a brown backpack, with one hand to his mouth](https://winterslumber.com/_img/books/when-fear-gets-mixed-up/fear-621.png) The Story ## Meet Fear Fear has a teal hoodie, yellow rain boots and a backpack full of crackers, stickers and a spare sock... just in case. He means well. He's only trying to keep everyone safe. But sometimes a sleeping cat becomes a panther. And a backyard fence becomes a mountain. 😅 When best friends and next-door neighbors Ellie and Lucy head out on an adventure, Fear comes too... and learns that not everything he sees is what it seems. In Fear's Backpack - Crackers - Stickers - One Random Sock The Words It Gives Your Family Instead of “don't be scared”... your child learns to ask, ## “Is Fear Getting Mixed Up?” Feelings are real. They're not always true. This book gives your child a way to notice when Fear is telling a story that isn't quite right... and gives you the language to meet them there. - ### For Your Child A funny, lovable character who makes big feelings feel less scary. - ### For You Simple words to use in the moment, the same ones your child hears in the story. - ### For Bedtime and Beyond “Fear can be loud... but I am safe... I've got this.” ## A Peek Inside - ![Ellie and Lucy run through a meadow with Fear while Cooper the puppy bounds after them](https://winterslumber.com/_img/books/when-fear-gets-mixed-up/peek-cooper-the-beast-1200.jpg) Ellie grabbed Pip. Lucy squealed. Fear froze. - ![Ellie, Lucy and Fear zoom down the backyard slide together](https://winterslumber.com/_img/books/when-fear-gets-mixed-up/peek-slide-ride-1200.jpg) And together... WHOOOOOOOSH! - ![Ellie, Lucy and Fear walk a garden path toward a sleeping black cat](https://winterslumber.com/_img/books/when-fear-gets-mixed-up/peek-on-the-path-1200.jpg) “Sleeping panther,” he breathed. - ![Ellie in bed hugging her stuffed seal, tucking in a sleepy Fear beside her](https://winterslumber.com/_img/books/when-fear-gets-mixed-up/peek-bedtime-1200.jpg) And little by little... everyone drifted off to sleep. ## Early Reactions Shared after an early look inside the book. > “I especially love how you've helped children identify what fear is, what it looks like, and what it feels like. That's such an important conversation to have with children, and you've created a wonderful way to get it started... Parents, teachers, and school counselors need resources like this!” Lori Steele-StarrEducator of 30+ years and parenting coach > “I am forever amazed at how you put together a story (with the very relatable parts of a child's day) to make wonderful teachings but entertaining at the same time!” Nicole D.Mom of three and sleep consultant > “You can really see how much heart and soul went into this book, right down to the smallest details... I can absolutely see how helpful and meaningful it's going to be!” Leigh-ann V.Home daycare provider, mom of two, and sleep consultant Free for Parents ## When Fear Shows Up at Bedtime A free guide for parents with the exact words to use when Fear shows up... the same ones your child will hear in the book. [Get the Free Guide](https://winterslumber.systeme.io/fear-free-guide)  ![Karen Winter, smiling, in a green top](https://winterslumber.com/_img/karen-headshot-1200.jpg) Meet the Author ## Karen Winter I'm Karen Winter, a pediatric sleep consultant, mom to Rae and now a children's author in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This story started at bedtime. After my first story, Little by Little, Rae begged for an adventure. So we told one together... and Fear came along. I write stories that help children whisper, “Oh... I get it now.” [More About Karen](https://winterslumber.com/about/)  ## Fear Means Well A heartwarming adventure that helps children see fear in a whole new way. [Get When Fear Gets Mixed Up on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HLY9RVD7)  Want the words that help at home every week? [Join Restful Wednesdays](https://winterslumber.systeme.io/newsletter)