Shy Creatures, a children’s book, was written and illustrated by David Mack (Kabuki, Daredevil). The story originally appeared in Kabuki: The Alchemy #3 which came out near the end of 2004. The story is about a little girl that is very shy. She is posed the question by her teacher: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Through a series of Dr. Seuss-like rhymes and pictures, we see the shy girl answer the question. She would be a doctor to all the shy creatures. She would help Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and a horde of other mythological creatures.

I love this book. Is it okay for a grown man to love a children’s book? I hope so. When this story appeared a few years back in Kabuki, I thought it was clever. It drove home the particular point Mack was trying to make in the story at the time. There are many shy people out there. They have talents and dreams. They aspire for greatness, but are far too shy to accomplish what their heart desires, just like the girl in this book.
The Dr. Seuss-like illustrations are a double edged sword for me. Whether a homage to Seuss himself, or just an attempt to pass it off in the Kabuki story as something familiar, for me, it may have been better as something original. But, (and this is a big but) I think it shows the versatility Mack has as an artist. He seems to be the master of any form of illustration you can think of. I’m completely sold on anything Mack does at this point.

I have three children, ages 7,4, and 2. I read this book to them as a bed-time story and they loved it. They asked for it again the next day. Out of context from the Kabuki story, the book maintains its cleverness. The book has already been nominated for a Cybil Award, which is public driven online award for children’s literature. I don’t have a doubt in my mind that it will be nominated for more awards in the near future. According to Davidmackguide.com, Mack is already working on a new children’s book. If you’re a fan of Kabuki, or you have small children that you love reading to, buy this book. It’s a great story in overcoming shyness that applies to all ages.

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