Mr. Magico is the Principal of Blythe Elementary School. When a child has a fear, is nervous, or unsure their typical principal transforms into the red-capped, sparkly-goggled, and rainbow-flashing shoe wearing Captain Courage! He swoops in, stomps on the child's fear until it melts away, and sagely advices them to put on a bright smile, stand tall, look confident, and speak loudly! Mr. Magico has a secret. For the past few nights before he is suppose to perform in the school's annual talent show he is nervous. He's been dreaming of tutu wearing monsters coming after him before his turn on stage, people booing, and people throwing tomatoes. Stressing out, he enlists the help of a previously shy Katie to be his side kick. He does his act for Mrs. Berrycastle for reassurance. He gets advice from Brent and Jessica. All these folks promise not to share his huge secret. Hilariously, all four of the people Mr. Magico asked for help were first afraid they were in trouble with him, the principal, for kooky mistakes they had made! Finally, the big night arrived. Captain Courage arrives and kicks, dances, and stomps away all the fears for the performers. When their big turn arrives, Captain Courage and his sidekick with a harmonica bring the house down with his amazing dance antics.
I wish Captain Courage and his magical rainbow shoes were present to stomp out the fears in the many uncertain and nervous moments when I was a kid. Being a kid is SCARY. As we get older, even more is expected of you in school, sports, friendships, and in life. Simple playtime suddenly blossoms into totally terrifying speeches and book reports that have to be presented in front of the WHOLE class. I'm 29 years old, married with a child, a successfully licensed social worker with over five years of experience under my belt, and I still get sweaty palms and a racing heart when I have to present in front of a group of people or when faced with a new, uncertain situation.
The fun story outlines a great way for kids and adults to find their courage. In the very back of the book, the author leaves an easy guide and acronym for times a quick reminder is needed. Highly recommend this book for your grade school kiddos who have a bit of a fear, shyness, or tremble when the spotlight is on them. Check it out! Jack the turtle's antics throughout the book make it even more awesome.
Stacey A. Marshall, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.
Stacey Marshall has been a public speaking coach and motivational speaker for over 15 years. Like Captain Courage, she enjoys teaching people of all ages how to be courageous and poised in any situation. Using her expertise, she has conducted training for various groups including: politicians, actors, litigators, business executives, broadcasters, students, as well as Division I, NFL, WNBA, and Olympic athletes. Marshall is also an expert resource for Parents Magazine
With a background in broadcasting, Marshall is also a winner of the Women Executives International Speak Out. She has written for numerous local and national publications, and often focuses her writing on how to demonstrate confidence and courage. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from Duke University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She currently resides with her husband and children in North Carolina. Marshall is also the author of Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes, Book 1 of the Captain Courage Series, which was on Amazon’s top 10 bestseller’s list, and a personal friend of the late Dr. Seuss.
Websites: http://www.captaincourage.com/ and http://www.staceymarshall.com/
Twitter: @SMarshalauthor
Decline of Verbal Skills - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6PGMFuAvD4
Jack the Turtle Be Brave Rap Song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ynFaYNJX84
One winner (sorry U.S.A. only!) will win a paperback copy of Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret Book 2 by Stacey A. Marshall sent by SmithPublicity.com. To enter, leave a comment, your name, and email address below this post. A winner will be chosen December 19, 2013 and their information forwarded to SmithPublicity.com on December 20, 2013.
