Nighttime fears are extremely common in children and yet most parents are unaware. Fear of the dark is among the fears most frequently listed by kids. Dr Roger S. Smith, a board certified physician and sleep doctor, released a beautifully illustrated story that may help in a playful and adventurous way.

The Story of The Dark is a picture book about two young children who accidently discover The Dark, a benevolent and rather shy entity, while searching for their dog. The children’s exploration, creative thinking, and bravery are rewarded with accomplishment, confidence, and a greater comfort with the world around them. Although the story happens to weave many years of knowledge about childhood fears into its pages, this picture book is designed to be entertaining for kids of all ages.

Very little has been done to educate parents about children’s nighttime fears. Then add the relatively common occurrence of bedtime struggles that happen in childhood and it can make falling asleep a nightly challenge for many youngsters. This beautifully illustrated picture book adventure may help in a playful way. Several points in the book promote critical thinking and discussion. But kids just seem to like the story.

A portion of each book sale goes directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and/or to Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif.

Roger S. Smith has practiced clinical medicine for 25 years in multiple specialty areas. He has held simultaneous medical staff positions at Stanford and Harvard universities teaching other doctors about sleep disorders and entrepreneurship.