Story Overview

This story is about a boy who is around 8 years old and sees scary shadows on his wall which frighten him so much that he believes the shadows to be monsters. The shadows are called, Jangles, Mozzarella, Daisy and Ritzi. They have come from the office of shadows with the job of helping children find out how brave they can be.

Alexander's Courage

Alexander decides to give them his chocolate chip cookie and even though he is so scared he confronts them and tells them to share it. Alexander then discovers that he can be brave even when he is afraid.

Understanding Fear and Imagination

Children have vivid imaginations and can create fearful situations where perhaps none exist. They need to know that in spite of the feelings of being frightened they can rise above it and find out that they can choose their thoughts and choose what they wish to think.

Message and Hope

My hopes are that this story will give a child the realization that they can experience a happy thought at the same time as being scared. So when Ritzi suggests this to Alexander it becomes an idea that he can use. So that Alexander's actions provide him with a discovery that he can even be brave enough to confront his fear.