The Nightmare Bug

by Hillary Daecher

Beware! The Nightmare Bug is creeping into dreams again . . . He's been around sleep for many, many years, turning magical dreams into things we all fear. But not tonight!

Discover how one small child decides to take control of their nightmares and tackle the Nightmare Bug once and for all. With the help and comfort of the child's mother, along with friends Blankie, Bear, and Rhino, the child drifts off to sleep feeling empowered and ready to show the Nightmare Bug there is nothing to be afraid of in the night. Skipping through dreams of oceans, giants, and the moon, the child, along with the stuffed friends, searches for the Nightmare Bug. When they finally encounter the Nightmare Bug and show the bug the power of what love can do, will the Nightmare Bug disappear forever?

Find out in this powerful message designed to identify and tackle the emotions that bad dreams evoke, and provide coping methods for children who suffer from nightmares on a regular basis. Perfect for SEL curriculums, the back matter includes conversation starters and expert tips for children upon waking from a bad dream, and tips for parents to help their child cope with the nightmare.

34 pages, Kindle Edition

About the author

My second children's picture book, The Nightmare Bug, will be released in August! The Nightmare Bug is an empowering picture book showing a child taking control of their nightmares. When a small child cries out to their mother after having a nightmare, the mother comforts her child explaining how she used the power of love to get rid of the Nightmare Bug when she was small. Snuggling with Blankie, Bear, and Rhino, the child drifts off feeling empowered and ready to show the Nightmare Bug love by giving it a big hug! Skipping through dreams of oceans, giants, and the moon, the child, along with the stuffed friends, show everyone the beauty and the power of what love and a hug can do!


My debut picture book, SOAR, is a Purple Dragonfly Book Award winner! SOAR follows Ramone, a shy Ruby-throated hummingbird who is about to leave the nest for the first time. But his anxiety and fear keep him from taking off as he contemplates all that could go wrong if he isn’t able to fly. Full of kind words and encouragement, Ramone’s mother gives him room to work through his various emotions, building his confidence and letting him set his own pace. Ramone watches as his friends soar through the sky, realizing all he might miss out on if he doesn’t conquer his fear. Ramone’s adventure showcases the emotions, both positive and negative, children experience as they approach new challenges. This tale guides readers through Ramone’s emotional journey, showing kids that fear must be overcome in order to grow.

I graduated from the University of Delaware and reside in Lititz, Pennsylvania, with my husband and two wonderful children trying to navigate everyday life.

Reviews

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-sustained poem shows a young kid whose colourful dreams are invaded by a nasty Bug that turns them all in most unwanted fashion into bad nightmares. But it comes as a surprise to the child to know the Bug can be defeated – and here comes mother to explain just how. It's an on-point piece about positivity, that could possibly be extrapolated into being about other things than just nightmares, but as it stands is not too bad at all. Whether it could be scientifically proven to work or not, is a different matter – until then it does address the issues of damping down the fires of nightmares and having better sleep.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a child awakes with a fright, their mom comforts them and explains the Nightmare Bug and how to deal with it. A good explanation for kids having regular nightmares, but it wasn't what I was expecting. A little too creepy for kids who are already getting scared.