We all have fears, especially as children. Some of them most people can understand, others may be some what comical. However, all of us can understand what it feels like to be afraid and hope to overcome our phobias.

I am scared of bees and they are equally against me. I am also petrified of the idea of going on a plane or any loved ones going on a plane. Yes, this means I have never stepped foot on one before. This fear, especially after 9/11, will probably never go away.

I had the pleasure of reading a charming story about a dog who develops an anxiety on Halloween night due to all the costumes and trick or treaters. The older dog in the house, Zoe , tries to calm his fears with playing a little game changing the spooky to goofy.

This cute tale is written in rhyming format and stars Kiki's own dogs, Drake and Zoe. The pictures are perfect for it's partnered story and caught my boys' attention right away. They thought it was silly especially when they saw Drake in costume. My 4 year old was very interactive for this story. I mean, he did pause from the wii to hear it!

My thoughts:

I thought this book was an adorable and refreshing read. It goes over a very real problem that every child faces and gives a simple but fun way to deal with it. We are dog lovers in our house and have two ourselves, so we can also appreciate the characters and the wonderful pictures. The kids really love the rhyming especially since Mama adds the fun voices when reading it. Hopefully this was the first of many children's books we see from Kiki Howell.

What Are You Afraid Of was released on October 14th and you can buy your own copy at Amazon for as low as $12.87.

About the Author

(pulled from her website)

Ever since she was young, Kiki Howell has loved to listen to a well-woven tale with real characters, inspired plots, and delightful resolutions. Kiki could spend hours lost in a book, and soon she knew that creating lives, loves, and losses with just words had to be the greatest thing that she could do. To that end, she pursued her study of literature and writing, earning a bachelor’s degree in English. She then followed in a Master’s program in Creative Writing.

“After a long break having my boys, I finally just had to write again. And, as soon as I gave the stories the space, they entered it. It’s both awesome and humbling to find the words in my mind become characters on a page and create their lives.”

She has now had over twenty stories published between seven different small presses. She could not be more thrilled or grateful to see her creations polished and out in the real world. Please look around. Although, a bit of caution, most of her stories tend to hang out on the graphically sexy side of town.

In May, 2011, Kiki was chosen as an Ohioana Book Festival author for her novel, Torn Asunder.

Kiki resides in the Midwest with her incredibly handsome and talented, singer/songwriter husband and two children. When she is not writing, she is spending time with her family, reading, baking or knitting.

What was your worst fear and how have you overcome it?

My worst fear as a child was storms, and to tell the truth, I got over it when I had kids, was home alone with them, and did not want them to develop my fears. That is one reason I wanted What Are You Afraid Of? out, so kids could learn to deal with their fears sooner.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is actually my favorite, but Halloween is a close second. I just love fall to winter so much better!

What is the story behind Drake and Zoe? How did they become a part of your family?

Zoe is going on 15 years with our family. We got her when our first son was born to let the boy and puppy grow up together. Drake we have only had maybe four years now. We adopted him, he was an ex-racing greyhound. He was brought from Florida to Ohio, and he loves the snow!

What have Drake and Zoe been dressed up as?

All kinds of things. The kids have always liked pulling out their old costumes and putting them on the dogs. They have been ghosts, werewolves, a devil, etc.

What was your favorite family tradition growing up?

Christmas Eve right before bed, each member of the family, including my parents, would pick their favorite Christmas story to be read.

What inspires you?

You just never know, truly! it could be anything, a song, seeing or hearing about what someone is going through, etc. With this book, Drake being afraid of kids in costumes inspired him being in the book.

Besides the obvious, reading and writing, what is your favorite hobby?

I love to knit! I'm a big movie watcher too, especially with family :)

If you wrote a book based on your two boys, what would the title be?

I'm So Proud Of You, For So Many Reasons

What do you like about Alaska?

I am a huge snow person, love winter more than any other season. So, I' m just fascinated by a place that gets as much snow as they do. In fact, I would love to live there for one year and get to experience their extreme winter.

If you could pick any time period to live in, when would it be?

Regency England, 1800-1820. Although, I should probably pick modern times, as I was born with asthma,as was my son, and kids like us often didn't survive long :(

You can connect with Kiki by clicking one of the links below:

Kiki loves to hear from her readers, so feel free email her!