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This book, the first in the ‘Courageous Kids Chronicles series, is a collection of stories that address children’s fears. Each story combines fiction and nonfiction elements to provide educational value and a comforting message about overcoming fear, specifically here, the fear of the dark.

After researching websites involving children’s Psychology, among others, and specifically, the Clay Center for Healthy Young Minds (see the Back Matter), it was easy to understand that the fear of children being in the dark is associated with real anxieties and apprehensions. This book hopes to bring this topic forward in fun, educational, and realistic suggested anecdotes on minimizing children’s fears of the dark.

I have researched and reviewed many similar perspectives and recommendations in addressing night time concerns for children. However, I am not a qualified professional and do not direct how these things should be handled. Instead, it is the responsibility of the families and trusted caregivers to coordinate with their medical and psychological professionals. This book series aims to present children’s fears in a way they can understand and relate to through words and visuals. And have some fun along the way. I have also included some common fears of the darkness with recommended anecdotes. Only the family and their trusted care professionals can make mindful decisions for their children. Thank You.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

When it’s bedtime, children often express many fears. Fear of the monster lurking in the closet or under the bed. Shadows that move across the wall. Eerie noises inside and out of the house. Courageous Kids Chronicles Book I: Roger, Denine, and Buddy’s Night Time Adventures! takes readers on a journey, where the “monsters” are unmasked and we discover that there’s nothing to fear after all. 

Roger lives in a lovely red-brick house with his parents, sister Denine, and Buddy the dog. They are a close-knit family, always ready to help each other out, and Roger desperately needs his sister’s help. Buddy’s, too! Roger would love to have a full night’s sleep, but his nighttime fears keep him awake and afraid. Together, the trio set out to shine a light on all the creaks, rustling sounds, tiny flashes of light outside, and much more. Many kids will notice that the objects behind the noises in this story are the same noises they hear in their own home. Their fear might even vanish like Roger’s! 

Courageous Kids Chronicles Book I: Roger, Denine, and Buddy’s Night Time Adventures! tackle a problem that plagues MANY homes at bedtime: fear of the dark, shadows, bogeyman, strange sounds, and more. I recommend sharing this Roger’s eye-opening story with your kids. Help them to see there’s nothing to fear in the dark. Parents and educators, I also recommend reading “Reflection and Resolutions” where the writer shares common reasons children might fear the dark with anecdotes to alleviate those fears. 

The illustrations for Courageous Kids Chronicles Book I: Roger, Denine, and Buddy’s Night Time Adventures! were very impressive. Every image was a work of art, and there was no doubt that Roger’s fear was real. The creature behind the printer looked ready to devour Roger or come out of the book to gobble up the reader. Though there were frightful images, there are also plenty that show happiness and love. Buddy’s tongue hanging out was adorable, and the final image of the trio was so cute. I do recommend refining the placement of the pictures. I found some drawings were out of place, or too many were bundled in a row. There were small editing mistakes, too. That said, the artwork was outstanding, no matter its location, and the story was lovely, too. I recommend it for kids aged 4 to 9.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Meet the Author

Gary R. Brown is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and federal civil servant whose remarkable journey from the neighborhoods of Trenton, New Jersey, to destinations across the globe has profoundly shaped his perspective on life, leadership, and faith. After dedicating over 24 years to the Navy, followed by a 15-year career in civilian government, Gary embraced writing as a personal outlet and a powerful means to inspire others.

He has created a diverse array of activities and storybooks for children and adults, including coloring books, poetry collections, faith-based devotionals, and word games, all designed to promote creativity, well-being, and connections across generations. And recently, short novels have been of great interest to me. I am just having fun!

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Website
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