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Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes
In the story, a precocious third grader named Katie shrivels during various common scenarios at her new school--show and tell, chatting in the lunchroom, presenting/participating in class, the playground scene. That is, until a unique superhero swoops in to the rescue, demonstrating how to have self confidence and courage.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2012
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 11, 2025
Thank you Warren Publishing, as well as BookSparks for my gifted copy!
My three year old wears his fear-squishing shoes (rocket ship rain boots) wherever we go. Whether it’s rain, sunshine, or snow, he wears them everywhere. He says they make him feel like a superhero, and make him go super fast. So imagine how perfect this book was for him. We loved the message of the fear-squishing shoes, because he sure is fearless with his rocket ship boots on. The illustrations in this book were beautiful, and we read it a few times. I can tell this one will be in our rotation for many more nights.
My three year old wears his fear-squishing shoes (rocket ship rain boots) wherever we go. Whether it’s rain, sunshine, or snow, he wears them everywhere. He says they make him feel like a superhero, and make him go super fast. So imagine how perfect this book was for him. We loved the message of the fear-squishing shoes, because he sure is fearless with his rocket ship boots on. The illustrations in this book were beautiful, and we read it a few times. I can tell this one will be in our rotation for many more nights.
July 30, 2025
With a touch of super-powered fun, this read takes on the problem of stepping into new situations and meeting new people.
It's the first day of school, and everyone is excited except for Katie. Her parents just moved into the area, and she's feeling very out of place. Since she's a shy girl, anyway, the entire situation is a little more than she's ready to deal with. As the school day progresses, she'd like to join in with the others but doesn't trust herself. Suddenly, Captain Courage appears in the classroom...and boy, he looks an awful lot like the principal. He sits down next to her and tries to get her to raise her hand, but she might need more than just a little coaxing.
This is a vibrant book. Every illustration holds energy it travels through various moments of the school day. The kids in the classroom are cheerful and ready to participate. There's no hint of maliciousness, and one even offers to help the girl. So, this doesn't tap into any negative directions. Instead, it centers around Katie as she wishes she was brave enough to join in but can't get herself to do it. The hesitancy comes across naturally and is very understandable. Listeners will, in many cases, sympathize with her and wish they were there to help out. It's easy for listeners/readers to follow as the various situations are familiar, too.
Captain Courage is a fun superhero, who holds just a dash of 'really the principal pretending' to add an unique touch and slide in some curiosity. He doesn't burst in with huge superpowers, but takes a realistic approach...while adding superpowers. And that's where the fun comes in because the superpowers might or might not be truly super. The reader/listener is left with this mystery to decide for themselves. This makes the message about bravery sit well, too, since it reflects true solutions and a good dose of fun.
It's recommend for those readers, who are sure of their words but need more practice before diving into middle grade reads. I'd slide this down to the lower end of that age group, since the writing is on the easier side as is the length. It would also work nicely as a read-aloud to slightly younger audiences.
It's a fun read with a nice message.
It's the first day of school, and everyone is excited except for Katie. Her parents just moved into the area, and she's feeling very out of place. Since she's a shy girl, anyway, the entire situation is a little more than she's ready to deal with. As the school day progresses, she'd like to join in with the others but doesn't trust herself. Suddenly, Captain Courage appears in the classroom...and boy, he looks an awful lot like the principal. He sits down next to her and tries to get her to raise her hand, but she might need more than just a little coaxing.
This is a vibrant book. Every illustration holds energy it travels through various moments of the school day. The kids in the classroom are cheerful and ready to participate. There's no hint of maliciousness, and one even offers to help the girl. So, this doesn't tap into any negative directions. Instead, it centers around Katie as she wishes she was brave enough to join in but can't get herself to do it. The hesitancy comes across naturally and is very understandable. Listeners will, in many cases, sympathize with her and wish they were there to help out. It's easy for listeners/readers to follow as the various situations are familiar, too.
Captain Courage is a fun superhero, who holds just a dash of 'really the principal pretending' to add an unique touch and slide in some curiosity. He doesn't burst in with huge superpowers, but takes a realistic approach...while adding superpowers. And that's where the fun comes in because the superpowers might or might not be truly super. The reader/listener is left with this mystery to decide for themselves. This makes the message about bravery sit well, too, since it reflects true solutions and a good dose of fun.
It's recommend for those readers, who are sure of their words but need more practice before diving into middle grade reads. I'd slide this down to the lower end of that age group, since the writing is on the easier side as is the length. It would also work nicely as a read-aloud to slightly younger audiences.
It's a fun read with a nice message.
July 30, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🙈 were a shy kid growing up
👟 love to decorate your shoes
🧳 have ever had to move
🎶 know how to play a musical instrument
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Every child in Ms. Berrycastle‛s class is excited for the first day of school-every child except Katie. As the newcomer in school, poor Katie feels like she‛s swallowed a bowlful of butterflies!
Whether it‛s participating in class, presenting at show-and-tell, or joining in lunchtime chats, Katie finds herself shrinking with fear. But everything changes when a remarkable superhero swoops in, equipped with his incredible, fear-squishing shoes!
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
My five year old son and I read this one together and he really enjoyed it. The pictures were bright, colorful, and replicated exactly what was happening in the story. Captain Courage aka the principal was such a nice addition to the story. It reminded me a lot of my kid’s principal. He knows every student’s name and is a really sweet guy, and I could see him doing something like this for a new kid who felt shy and left out! My son is so excited to decorate a pair of sneakers soon for the new school year too!
🙈 were a shy kid growing up
👟 love to decorate your shoes
🧳 have ever had to move
🎶 know how to play a musical instrument
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Every child in Ms. Berrycastle‛s class is excited for the first day of school-every child except Katie. As the newcomer in school, poor Katie feels like she‛s swallowed a bowlful of butterflies!
Whether it‛s participating in class, presenting at show-and-tell, or joining in lunchtime chats, Katie finds herself shrinking with fear. But everything changes when a remarkable superhero swoops in, equipped with his incredible, fear-squishing shoes!
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
My five year old son and I read this one together and he really enjoyed it. The pictures were bright, colorful, and replicated exactly what was happening in the story. Captain Courage aka the principal was such a nice addition to the story. It reminded me a lot of my kid’s principal. He knows every student’s name and is a really sweet guy, and I could see him doing something like this for a new kid who felt shy and left out! My son is so excited to decorate a pair of sneakers soon for the new school year too!
August 30, 2025
Captain Courage and the Fear Squishing Shoes by Stacey Marshall is an absolute delight!
Katie, a third grader navigating the ups and downs of a new school, is instantly relatable. Show and tell nerves, playground jitters, that scary feeling when all eyes are on you it’s basically a snapshot of childhood anxiety we’ve all known and maybe still do as adults!
Enter Captain Courage, a larger-than-life superhero who swoops in with one powerful lesson: courage isn’t about being fearless, it’s about finding confidence even when your knees are shaking. With the help of some magical fear squishing shoes, Katie learns to stand a little taller, speak up, and embrace her own strengths.
I love how Stacey Marshall balances humor, heart, and empowerment in a way that kids can easily understand. The message is uplifting without being preachy, and the superhero twist makes it fun and memorable. It’s the kind of story that sparks conversations about self-confidence at home, in classrooms, and anywhere kids need a boost of bravery.
⚡️Thank you Book Spark and Stacey Marshall for sharing this book with me!
Katie, a third grader navigating the ups and downs of a new school, is instantly relatable. Show and tell nerves, playground jitters, that scary feeling when all eyes are on you it’s basically a snapshot of childhood anxiety we’ve all known and maybe still do as adults!
Enter Captain Courage, a larger-than-life superhero who swoops in with one powerful lesson: courage isn’t about being fearless, it’s about finding confidence even when your knees are shaking. With the help of some magical fear squishing shoes, Katie learns to stand a little taller, speak up, and embrace her own strengths.
I love how Stacey Marshall balances humor, heart, and empowerment in a way that kids can easily understand. The message is uplifting without being preachy, and the superhero twist makes it fun and memorable. It’s the kind of story that sparks conversations about self-confidence at home, in classrooms, and anywhere kids need a boost of bravery.
⚡️Thank you Book Spark and Stacey Marshall for sharing this book with me!
July 20, 2025
👦🏻review: I love reading realistic stories so I picked this one from our TBR shelf. I was challenged to compare this book to a favorite snack and I picked S’mores because it has that warm and sweet feeling after reading it. Actually this book is a great way to introduce kids who have moved to another place, town or state during summer break and have to acclimate themselves to a new environment or surrounding immediately. In our school we often see new students every semester and many have struggled to fit in. While shy Katie simply doesn’t know how to break out of her shell, her hesitation came to an abrupt end after a magical moment during show and tell. You have to read this book to know why it is so important to welcome new students into the school and how to make them feel comfortable and happy. It is a straight forward book but the illustrations, colors and dialogues are the reasons why this is amazing to be introduced to young students encountering this situation.
August 6, 2025
Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes is a bright, cheerful, and confidence-boosting adventure perfect for any kid who’s ever felt shy—or for the ones who don’t quite get what shyness feels like. Katie, the new kid at school, is feeling all kinds of nervous until a colorful, caring character named Captain Courage steps in with a most unusual way to show her that confidence is simply believing you can do it.
The mix of fun and life lessons gives kids a gentle nudge toward self-esteem and courage. The story is engaging, the message is empowering, and the principal’s role in Katie’s journey is refreshingly positive. Add in the lively, laugh-inducing illustrations, and you’ve got a book that’s as much fun to look at as it is to read. By the end, Katie not only surprises everyone with her talents—she’ll also inspire readers to embrace their unique spark.
The mix of fun and life lessons gives kids a gentle nudge toward self-esteem and courage. The story is engaging, the message is empowering, and the principal’s role in Katie’s journey is refreshingly positive. Add in the lively, laugh-inducing illustrations, and you’ve got a book that’s as much fun to look at as it is to read. By the end, Katie not only surprises everyone with her talents—she’ll also inspire readers to embrace their unique spark.
August 16, 2025
Captain Courage is the perfect book for young readers at the start of a new school year, especially those attending a new school.
It is the story of Kate who just moved to a new school and her attempts to blend in and make new friends.
The book presented an opportunity to talk to readers about what to expect starting a new school, meeting new teachers and friends.
It also explored how we can be kind and make others feel welcome, make new friends by inviting someone to play or join us at recess. The illustrations were colourful and replicated each situation accurately.
We particularly liked Captain Courage and learnt what courage meant and what it means to be shy and how we can ‘help’ our shy friends.
It also presented us with the opportunity to learn new words. I particularly liked the ending with the advice both for young readers and adults.
It is the story of Kate who just moved to a new school and her attempts to blend in and make new friends.
The book presented an opportunity to talk to readers about what to expect starting a new school, meeting new teachers and friends.
It also explored how we can be kind and make others feel welcome, make new friends by inviting someone to play or join us at recess. The illustrations were colourful and replicated each situation accurately.
We particularly liked Captain Courage and learnt what courage meant and what it means to be shy and how we can ‘help’ our shy friends.
It also presented us with the opportunity to learn new words. I particularly liked the ending with the advice both for young readers and adults.
July 28, 2025
Katie moved to a new school, and she’s got those first day jitters. She’s scared and shy, and having a tough morning. She wants to participate and join in, but she’s just so scared!
Even when a friendly student named Carlos asks her to sit with him & his friends at lunch, or a joyful girl named Katie invited her to play on the swings at lunch, she says no.
Everything changes when their principal, Mr. Magico arrives in the classroom & shares a message about courage!
Stand tall.
Chin up.
Speak strong.
Katie finds the courage to join in with her new friends, share her talent of playing the harmonica, and find a place in her new school!
A colourful, inspiring, and encouraging story that will delight young readers! Great to use as a social emotional learning tool & a discussion starter about: starting in a new school or classroom, overcoming shyness, finding your courage, making new friends, and more!
Even when a friendly student named Carlos asks her to sit with him & his friends at lunch, or a joyful girl named Katie invited her to play on the swings at lunch, she says no.
Everything changes when their principal, Mr. Magico arrives in the classroom & shares a message about courage!
Stand tall.
Chin up.
Speak strong.
Katie finds the courage to join in with her new friends, share her talent of playing the harmonica, and find a place in her new school!
A colourful, inspiring, and encouraging story that will delight young readers! Great to use as a social emotional learning tool & a discussion starter about: starting in a new school or classroom, overcoming shyness, finding your courage, making new friends, and more!
February 12, 2013
A super hero, with a secret identity, who wears magical flashing shoes -- what’s not to like? Captain Courage and the Fear Squishing Shoes, by Stacey A. Marshall, is a book that immediately captures your interest and empathy for shy Katie. She is starting third grade in a new school because her father took a new job and moved the family to a new state. Naturally she is unhappy about the move.
Katie feels lonely and out of place. She misses her old friends and wonders if she’ll make new ones. Her teacher, classmates, and the principal are all welcoming to her. However, poor Katie seems paralyzed by fear until something amazing happens during “show and tell” time to change everything. With a little friendly advice, presented in an artful way, Katie stands tall and overcomes her fear and shyness.
Kids will enjoy Michelle Morse’s colorful and expressive illustrations. Katie’s emotions are clear on her face. Each picture has so many true-to-school-life details that kids will be right at home, eager for each new page. The touch of humor provided by a class mascot “showing off” will grab children’s attention as they answer: What’s he doing here?
This is a fun but “sly” educational storybook which shows kids they needn’t feel alone or fearful in new situations. Teachers, parents and kids will enjoy this book as they effortlessly learn specific steps to deal with and overcome fear and shyness. As they follow these simple steps, they will build up their self-confidence and courage to handle life challenges. I recommend it for home and school lessons and pure enjoyment. Thanks to Stacey A. Marshall and Michelle Morse for this engaging and helpful story.
Katie feels lonely and out of place. She misses her old friends and wonders if she’ll make new ones. Her teacher, classmates, and the principal are all welcoming to her. However, poor Katie seems paralyzed by fear until something amazing happens during “show and tell” time to change everything. With a little friendly advice, presented in an artful way, Katie stands tall and overcomes her fear and shyness.
Kids will enjoy Michelle Morse’s colorful and expressive illustrations. Katie’s emotions are clear on her face. Each picture has so many true-to-school-life details that kids will be right at home, eager for each new page. The touch of humor provided by a class mascot “showing off” will grab children’s attention as they answer: What’s he doing here?
This is a fun but “sly” educational storybook which shows kids they needn’t feel alone or fearful in new situations. Teachers, parents and kids will enjoy this book as they effortlessly learn specific steps to deal with and overcome fear and shyness. As they follow these simple steps, they will build up their self-confidence and courage to handle life challenges. I recommend it for home and school lessons and pure enjoyment. Thanks to Stacey A. Marshall and Michelle Morse for this engaging and helpful story.
March 12, 2013
My Review: Katie and her family just moved to a new town and it was her first day at Blythe Elementary school. While the other students were excited about their first day back at school, Katie felt intimidated. Even the smiles of the teachers didn’t seem to put her at ease. She didn’t have the confidence to take part in the classroom activities and barely made a sound during lunch time. Then things changed during the classroom show-n-tell time, the principal, Mr. Magico was wearing his superhero costume and sat beside Katie. After a brief conversation with Katie, she found the confidence and spoke with a loud voice showing off her harmonica for show-n-tell.
Some children do feel alone when they move to a new school. But this book provides a great tool to help them in situations like Katie’s. The book gives three tips. To use a strong voice: To sound confident, take a deep breath before speaking and use a loud clear voice. Pretend to be confident, even if you are scared: Stand up straight, and smile at your audience and finally make eye contact. These are great tips for starters, and useful for classroom teaching.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
Some children do feel alone when they move to a new school. But this book provides a great tool to help them in situations like Katie’s. The book gives three tips. To use a strong voice: To sound confident, take a deep breath before speaking and use a loud clear voice. Pretend to be confident, even if you are scared: Stand up straight, and smile at your audience and finally make eye contact. These are great tips for starters, and useful for classroom teaching.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
October 6, 2012
Fear can be a mind numbing experience for the young and old. Often times holding us back from the simple pleasures in life. Captain Courage and the Fear Squishing Shoes by Stacey Marshall tackles the experience of third grader, Katie as she tries to find her place at her new school, Blythe Elementary.
Always one to be an active participant in classes and playing with friends, Katie finds herself numbed by fear when she arrives at her first day of school and the ensuing week. Screaming out loud in her mind, Katie remains silent toward her classmate’s attempts at friendship and is even more silent within the classroom.
Unexpectedly one day during show and tell a super hero arrives at Katie’s classroom. All are startled and intrigued by the super hero that calls himself Captain Courage. Even Katie. Will she continue to be a “shrinking violet” or will she take note of Captain Courage’s actions and words? Or will she allow fear of the unknown immobilize her further?
Stacey Marshall spins an inspiring and heartwarming story of acceptance for who you are and the courage to become an active participant in one’s life. A must have book for home, school, bookstores, and public libraries.
Always one to be an active participant in classes and playing with friends, Katie finds herself numbed by fear when she arrives at her first day of school and the ensuing week. Screaming out loud in her mind, Katie remains silent toward her classmate’s attempts at friendship and is even more silent within the classroom.
Unexpectedly one day during show and tell a super hero arrives at Katie’s classroom. All are startled and intrigued by the super hero that calls himself Captain Courage. Even Katie. Will she continue to be a “shrinking violet” or will she take note of Captain Courage’s actions and words? Or will she allow fear of the unknown immobilize her further?
Stacey Marshall spins an inspiring and heartwarming story of acceptance for who you are and the courage to become an active participant in one’s life. A must have book for home, school, bookstores, and public libraries.
February 17, 2013
A delightful book that should be mandatory in every elementary school. When a sweet little third grader, Katie, moves to a new school, Blythe Elementary. She is paralyzed with fear. An out going child, who is now in something new, and is very afraid.
You will love how the wonderful teacher Mrs Berrycastle, and the Principal Mr Magico, trying to put the children at ease with their manner and smiles. They notice how shy Katie is, and she seems petrified to come out of her shell.
The name of the book brings a smile to my face, and when a super hero with fear squishing shoes shows up in the class room one day, we find out what an amazing school she attends. The super hero's name is Captain Courage and you will love his super powers.
The book is geared to the ages 4 to 11, and the brightly colored pages just draw you in. Each child will feel special, and the book is just made for them and their imaginations. I shared this with my 5 and 7 year old grandsons, and they wanted it read again and again.
I received this book from the Author, Stacey Marshall, and was not required to give a positive review.
You will love how the wonderful teacher Mrs Berrycastle, and the Principal Mr Magico, trying to put the children at ease with their manner and smiles. They notice how shy Katie is, and she seems petrified to come out of her shell.
The name of the book brings a smile to my face, and when a super hero with fear squishing shoes shows up in the class room one day, we find out what an amazing school she attends. The super hero's name is Captain Courage and you will love his super powers.
The book is geared to the ages 4 to 11, and the brightly colored pages just draw you in. Each child will feel special, and the book is just made for them and their imaginations. I shared this with my 5 and 7 year old grandsons, and they wanted it read again and again.
I received this book from the Author, Stacey Marshall, and was not required to give a positive review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews