Daniel insists that he’s not afraid of dogs, even though he goes out of his way to avoid them. “I just don’t like them,” he insists. But Daniel finds himself in close quarters when his family plays host to his aunt’s small dog, Bandit, in their apartment. He refuses to come out of his room for dinner despite his parents’ reassurance that Bandit won’t hurt him. A middle-of-the-night thunderstorm gives Daniel the opportunity to reassert his courage and to overcome his fear when he discovers Bandit cowering alone in the bathroom, terrified of the storm, in a story that will resonate for many young readers and listeners, whether they have a similar fear or simply don’t always feel as brave as they wish. (Ages 4–7)