
Reach for this book when your child expresses a specific, paralyzing fear that makes them feel different or isolated from their peers. Whether it is a fear of dogs, the dark, or trying something new, this story serves as a gentle mirror for the physical and emotional experience of anxiety without making the child feel 'wrong' for their feelings. The story follows Hannah, a young girl who watches her friends play with a neighborhood dog named Sugar but remains too frightened to join in. When Sugar goes missing, Hannah's empathy for the lost dog eventually outweighs her fear, leading to a quiet moment of bravery. It is a perfect choice for children ages 3 to 7, offering a realistic depiction of how courage does not mean the absence of fear, but rather the choice to act in spite of it.
The book deals with childhood phobia and the stress of a lost pet. The approach is secular and realistic. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: Hannah doesn't magically become a 'dog person' overnight, but she does find a way to coexist with her fear.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA preschooler or early elementary student who feels 'stuck' by a fear. Specifically, the child who feels embarrassed that they can't do what their friends do, or the child who needs to see that bravery can be quiet and internal.
Read the scene where Sugar is missing beforehand. It is atmospheric but not terrifying. Parents should be prepared to discuss the difference between 'being brave' and 'not being scared.' A parent might choose this after seeing their child shrink away from a social situation or animal, or if the child has expressed frustration saying, 'I'm just scared.'
3-year-olds will focus on the 'lost and found' aspect of the dog. 6-7-year-olds will resonate more with the social pressure Hannah feels to be like her peers and the internal struggle of making a brave choice.
Unlike many books where a child 'gets over' a fear through a single magical moment, Berube honors the persistence of anxiety. Hannah’s fear is respected by the adults around her, and her eventual bravery is a choice, not a cure.
Hannah stands at the edge of the playground, watching her classmates interact with Sugar, a friendly dog. While others pet and hug Sugar, Hannah stays back, her fear manifesting as a physical barrier. When Sugar goes missing, the community searches for him. Hannah eventually finds Sugar alone and frightened in the woods. Her empathy for the dog's vulnerability allows her to bridge the gap of her own fear, leading to a gentle rescue and a new, cautious friendship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.