For children who feel anxious about the unknown or worry about facing new challenges. This humorous graphic novel encourages embracing curiosity and problem-solving.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is anxious about trying new things or worries about what could go wrong. It's a perfect story for kids who get caught in 'what if' loops and need a fun, engaging way to see the value in taking smart risks. The story follows Marguerite, a girl who avoids all danger, and her talking dog, Daisy. They are unexpectedly zapped into a strange future where an all-powerful AI has eliminated every conceivable risk, making life safe but terribly boring. This graphic novel uses humor and logic to explore themes of fear, bravery, and the joy of discovery. It’s an excellent choice for kids who love comics, science, and silly adventures, providing a model for using problem-solving to manage anxiety.
The book's core theme is anxiety about danger and the unknown, but it is handled in a metaphorical and humorous way. The threats are fantastical (e.g., a beast that drops buttered toast) and are overcome with intellect, not violence. The approach is entirely secular, championing scientific thinking and logic. The resolution is hopeful, arguing that a life without any risk is not a full life.
Ideal Reader
An 8-11 year old who struggles with anxiety, overthinking, or a fear of failure. This child is often hesitant to try new things, from joining a sports team to tasting a new food, because they are preoccupied with what might go wrong. They likely enjoy comics, puzzles, and a clever, slightly absurd sense of humor.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. No parental prep is necessary. The scientific and coding concepts are explained clearly and simply within the narrative. The art style is friendly and cartoonish, so even the 'monsters' and the giant floating head of the wizard are unlikely to be genuinely frightening for this age group. A parent has just heard their child say, "I don't want to try, it's too scary" or "What if I'm not good at it?" The child consistently opts out of new experiences and expresses a lot of 'what if' worries before starting anything unfamiliar.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will focus on the slapstick humor, the talking dog, and the fun adventure of outsmarting monsters. They'll absorb the core message: it's good to be brave. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the satirical commentary on safety culture, the cleverness of the logic puzzles, and the philosophical debate about free will versus security.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books on bravery that focus solely on feelings, this one offers a practical, logic-based toolkit for managing fear. It uniquely reframes anxiety as a problem that can be analyzed and solved using STEM principles like probability and coding. The graphic novel format and Ryan North's signature witty, geeky humor make the topic exceptionally accessible and entertaining.
Read plot summary
Marguerite, a cautious girl who obsessively calculates risk, and her dog, Daisy, are transported to a future world run by an AI wizard. This wizard has created a utopia by eliminating all danger, resulting in a stagnant, uninteresting society. To test his system, the wizard conjures fantastical, 'safe' dangers for Marguerite and Daisy to face. Using logic, probability, and basic coding principles, the duo navigates these challenges, ultimately confronting the wizard about the importance of risk, free will, and true living.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the start of the book, Marguerite tries to avoid all risks. By the end, she chooses a riskier path. What do you think made her change her mind?
2
The wizard believes a world with zero danger is a perfect world. Do you agree or disagree? What are some good things and bad things about living in a place with no risks at all?
3
Marguerite and Daisy use logic and probability to solve problems. Can you think of a time when thinking through a problem, instead of just being scared of it, helped you?
4
Daisy the dog is a great friend to Marguerite. How does Daisy help Marguerite face her fears? How do good friends help us be brave in real life?
