About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a specific, recurring fear or experiencing the 'big feelings' of being momentarily separated from a caregiver. This gentle story follows Barney, a small dog who loves his life on a narrowboat but is terrified of dark tunnels. When a misunderstanding leaves him behind, Barney must navigate the unfamiliar canal paths alone to find his owner, Jim. The narrative beautifully validates that even the smallest creatures can feel immense worry, while modeling how to keep going even when your legs are shaking. At just under 100 pages with frequent illustrations, it is a perfect first 'bridge' book for early elementary readers. Parents will appreciate how it treats Barney's phobia with dignity, showing that true bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the choice to move forward despite it.
