Rummu Is Scared

Child holding a flashlight looking at shadows in a story about fear and imagination Illustration of a young girl confronting everyday objects that seem scary

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Rummu Is Scared

Average Rating: 0.0

Country: India

Author: Sajid Khan

Illustrator: Saumya Shukla

Ages: 3-5,5–8

Publisher: Room to Read

Story Source: Literacy cloud

About The Story

Rummu finds strange and wonderful things in her everyday world. But lately, those same things — a shoe, a shadow, a crack in the wall — have started to feel scary. With her mother’s help, Rummu begins to face her fears and rediscover the wonder in the world around her. This tender story captures the common fears of early childhood, especially when imagination runs wild. It gently encourages children to talk about their feelings and shows that being scared is okay — and that it doesn’t last forever.

Themes

Social & Emotional Learning

Family & Friends

Sub Themes

Overcoming Fear

Building Confidence

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Children will begin to see fear as a natural part of growing up. They’ll be better able to name their feelings, seek support, and use imagination in a positive way. They’ll also realize they’re not alone — everyone feels scared sometimes.
Recognize that it’s normal to feel scared sometimes.
Learn ways to express their fears safely.
Understand that talking to a trusted adult or family member can help them feel better.
Explore the difference between what is real and what is imagined.
Begin to identify things that help them feel calm and safe.

Activities

1. Draw Your Scary Thing Art : Draw something scary, then redraw it as a silly or friendly version.
2. Magic Flashlight Game : Use light on shadows to show how they change, helping kids understand nighttime sights.
3. Create a Comfort Box : Fill a box with calming items (toy, photo, lavender). Discuss using it when scared.
4. Rummu Role Play : Take turns being Rummu and a helper who offers reassurance.
5. Monster to Muppet Cards : Create foldable drawings that turn scary faces into smiling ones.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

What is something that looks a little strange to you in your room or outside?
Have you ever feared things that turned out to be irrational?
Who do you talk to when you feel scared?

During reading

What do you think Rummu is feeling right now?
Why do you think the shoe/shadow/crack looks scary to her?
What would you say to help her feel better?
What do you think is really happening?

After reading

Why was Rummu scared?
Did the things she saw really want to scare her?
What helped her feel safe again?
What makes you feel better when you're scared?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being

Supports emotional well-being and helps children learn to manage fears.

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Promotes emotional literacy and discussion in early childhood education.

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