Different Dragons — Jean Little

Ben isn't sure he wants to visit his Aunt Rose while his parents and older brother are away. He doesn't like admitting it, but he's afraid of a lot of things -- dogs, thunderstorms, new places and people.

Aunt Rose turns out to be much nicer than Ben expected. But then she surprises him with a birthday present that terrifies him -- a big Labrador retriever named Gully. How can Ben tell her he's afraid to be even in the same room with Gully? And how can he tell Hana, his new friend?