"Run. Run. As fast as you can. You can't catch me. I'm the Gingerbread Man"

So my daughter started school a few almost a month ago and during the first week the teachers had an activity that they use to help familiarize the children with the school and the places that they will visit throughout the year.  This particular activity involved the story book character "The Gingerbread Boy". According to the teacher the Gingerbread Boy left clues around the school starting in the classroom which should lead his capture.  Apparently the Gingerbread Boy called out over the classroom intercom "Run. Run. As fast as you can. You can not catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Boy. I am. I am."  The kids followed his clues to the Library, Gym, Etc. around the school then back to the room.  But the could not catch the Gingerbread Boy.

Since that day, my daughter has developed a fear of Gingerbread Men or "Boys".  In her mind the Gingerbread Boy is real.  So I try to explain to her that it is just a story and he is only a storybook character. And that there is nothing to be afraid of.  The answer I get is, "but dad he is real.  At school he left us clues around the school and there were only crumbs left on the pan, we couldn't find him anywhere." She is frightened that he will get get out of the school and for whatever reason he is going to come into her bedroom.  Now I know this is a fear of hers and she gets really upset about it at certain times, specifically bedtime, but I can not help but giggle about it.

I am trying my best to find a way to help her get over her fear.  I talk to her about it and try to find out exactly what scares her about the Gingerbread Boy.  Explain to her that he is not real and just a storybook character.  "We eat gingerbread men and that they are delicious", I try to explain.  Today I spoke with her teacher to find out a little more about the activity and exactly what might of frightened her.  Of course her teacher is try not to laugh as I am informing her of my situation.  I am doing this while all the time trying to keep a straight face.  After I finished my story and she explained the activity, she tells me that she will send the book home with her so that we can read it at home. I hope that this help her overcome this fear of Gingerbread Men.