Are you aware that the 4th of July can be overwhelming for our furry friends? To shed light on this issue, I have written a story about Barney, The Brave French Bulldog, and his journey of confronting his fear of fireworks alongside his pals on Independence Day. The underlying message of this book is to encourage readers to embrace discomfort and take steps towards personal growth, as Barney did by facing his fears. Additionally, I hope to raise awareness about the struggles our pups face during this tough time of year for them, emphasizing the importance of showing them extra love and care.

Your comfort zone can often hold you back from reaching your full potential, whether it be in regards to fitness goals, education or your career. Failing to take action and follow through with plans can leave you with a sense of regret and a lingering feeling of 'what if'. To achieve your goals, it's important to seek guidance and reassurance from others. My students, Mordecai Alvarez and Bahiyah Lane, from Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy helped me bring this story to life through their illustrations. This story offers relatable experiences that you can put yourself in, and I hope you enjoy it.