This story was inspired by a simple but powerful truth: fear can be both a protector and a trickster. As children grow, they need gentle guidance to tell the difference between real danger that deserves attention, and fake danger that others may use to scare or control them.

What if children could learn that fear isn't something to run from — but something to understand?

In this heartwarming story, Sunshine the Great Pyrenees is always on guard, protecting Emma from both real and imagined dangers. Together, they discover that while fear can keep us safe, it can also be used to trick us. Sunshine, with his loyal heart and steady courage, shows children how to pause, think, and trust themselves. With Sunshine's help, Emma learns the difference between real danger and false alarms — growing stronger, braver, and more independent along the way.

My hope is that this book opens conversations between parents, grandparents, extended family members, and children about how to face fear with wisdom and strength. May Sunshine's watchful eyes remind your family that courage doesn't mean we never feel afraid — it means we learn when to listen to fear, and when to stand tall and smile instead.

Perfect for bedtime reading or classroom discussion, Sunshine and the Fear Alarm gives families a gentle tool for helping children manage their emotions and face the world with confidence.

About the Author

Kristin Guardino, J.D., is an author, step-parent, and aunt who believes that children grow strongest when they learn to meet the world with courage, kindness, and wisdom. Inspired by real-life lessons about fear and resilience, Kristin created Sunshine and the Fear Alarm to help families nurture confidence and independence in their children, a life-long commitment to which both she and her husband Len Guardino are devoted.

About the Illustrations

The gentle watercolor artwork in Sunshine and the Fear Alarm was created with the assistance of AI illustration tools guided by the author's direction. Each image was carefully crafted to capture Sunshine's warmth, Emma's curiosity, and the story's comforting message about courage and resilience.