Daniel insists that he’s not afraid of dogs, even though he goes out of his way to avoid them. “I just don’t like them,” he insists. But Daniel finds himself in close quarters when his family plays host to his aunt’s small dog, Bandit, in their apartment. He refuses to come out of his room for dinner despite his parents’ reassurance that Bandit won’t hurt him. A middle-of-the-night thunderstorm gives Daniel the opportunity to reassert his courage and to overcome his fear when he discovers Bandit cowering alone in the bathroom, terrified of the storm, in a story that will resonate for many young readers and listeners, whether they have a similar fear or simply don’t always feel as brave as they wish. (Ages 4–7)

Daniel is the bravest boy of all!

Daniel isn't afraid of spiders. He isn't afraid of snakes. He isn't even afraid of thunderstorms. And no matter what his sister says, he's certainly not afraid of dogs — he just doesn't like them. But there's no avoiding them when he comes home and his mother is babysitting his aunt's dog.

Susanna Pitzer's humorous look into the nature of courage, fear, and friendship has a touching outcome for both the brave and the frail of heart, with expressive illustrations by Larry Day.