The Fear-Munching Buby and the Brave Girl Sheila

Hi there! My name is Buby, and I’m a tiny magical creature—though not quite like anything you’ve ever seen. I look a little like a hedgehog, but instead of sharp spines, I’m covered in soft, sticky green needles that taste just like strawberry candy. (Don’t worry, they’re totally harmless!) My body is orange and dotted with bright blue flowers that bloom right out of me. I munch on these flowers whenever I’m hungry, and luckily, they grow back just as fast as I eat them!

But guess what else I eat?

Children’s fear!

Yup. That’s right. I’m a fear-muncher—a special creature who gobbles up fears to help kids feel braver. There are many of us all over the world. If you ever feel scared—whether it’s the dark, spiders, monsters under the bed, or a trip to the dentist—just call out: “Buby!” and I’ll come flying to you.

I have wings, you see. Big, bouncy, fuzzy wings that carry me wherever I’m needed. Fear is everywhere, and we fear-munchers keep it under control. But don’t confuse fear with laughter—fear is like a wispy, invisible cloud that hides in the shadows. Only my sticky candy-needles can catch it.

Now, let me tell you a story. This is the tale of how I caught my very first fear. It was a big day for me!

I had just learned how to fly properly and was so excited to finally find my first real fear-snack. My wings wobbled a little, but I zoomed across a village full of sunshine and happy noises. Spring was in the air, and children were running and laughing in their yards. They were not scared. And you see, fear-munchers like me can’t eat happiness or laughter—it slips right through us.

I was starting to worry that my first mission would be a failure. What if I couldn’t find even a nibble of fear?

Just when I was about to give up, I heard a voice—small, determined, and full of worry.

“No! I’m not going anywhere! Do you hear me?”

I paused in mid-air. That sounded promising. I floated closer and peeked through a window. A little girl was standing with her arms crossed, face red and eyes watery. Her name, I soon learned, was Sheila.

Her mother knelt beside her, speaking gently.

“But Sheila, sweetheart, it’s just the dentist. He only wants to check your teeth to make sure they’re healthy. It won’t hurt, I promise.”

But Sheila wasn’t convinced.

“I hate the smells! I hate the sounds! And I know it’s going to hurt! I’m afraid he’s going to drill my teeth!”

Yes! She said the magic word: afraid. I could almost smell the fear now—it was sweet and swirly like spun sugar in the wind.

I swooped in quietly. Her fear floated above her like a pale mist, and my needles tingled with excitement. I circled once, then dove straight through it. Poof! The fear stuck to my needles instantly. I slurped it up, delighted by its tingly taste.

Sheila blinked and wiped her tears.

“What was that?” she asked, glancing around. “Something just flew past me.”

She touched her cheek and then smiled slightly.

“You know what, Mom? I feel… different. The fear is gone! I think I’ll go to the dentist after all. I’d love to have healthy white teeth—and those silly bugs can find someone else to bother!”

She giggled, and I felt a warm puff of joy float around her. It tickled my wings, but I couldn’t eat it—it was happiness. But that was okay. Her fear was gone, and I had completed my very first mission!

From that day on, I’ve helped many other children—some scared of thunderstorms, others afraid of being alone, or starting school. Whatever the fear, I’m just one call away.

So next time you feel scared—about anything at all—remember me. Just call out: “Buby!” and I’ll be there in a flash, ready to nibble that fear away.

Moral of the Story:
Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to stay. With a little courage (and maybe a visit from Buby!), every child can learn to feel brave.