The Next-Door Dogs

Reach for this book when your child experiences a specific, paralyzing phobia that makes them feel isolated from their peers. While many books treat fear of animals as a passing phase, this story validates the physical and emotional weight of a true phobia. It follows nine-year-old Sara, whose dread of the new neighbor's dogs is tested when a medical emergency involving the neighbor's owner forces her to take action. This is a gentle, realistic look at how bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it. It is perfect for elementary-aged children who need to see their anxieties reflected with dignity and empathy. Parents will appreciate the way it models incremental progress and the power of a supportive community in overcoming personal hurdles.