Abigail and the Fear Fix

The sixth installment in the Abigail series brings readers along to Camp Courage, where 10-year-old Abigail’s excitement about summer camp is weighed down by very real fears—from climbing high ropes courses to swimming and encountering forest wildlife. Bethany McIlrath handles childhood anxiety with immense empathy and humor, keeping the narrative deeply relatable. Rather than dismissing fear or offering superficial platitudes, the story uses scriptures like Romans 8:28 and John 16:33 to show how Jesus promises His presence through challenging situations. It is an ideal read-alone or family read-aloud for kids learning to navigate scary moments with faith.

Abigail is one of our all-time favorite series, and as a mom of three girls, I cannot recommend it enough!

In the sixth book, Abigail heads to Camp Courage, where she's excited for a new adventure but must also face some fears, both big and small.

I loved how Pastor Pete teaches Abigail and the other children what God's Word ...says about fear and reminds them where true courage comes from. The timing of this story was especially meaningful for our family, as we've been bringing some of our own silly and serious fears before the Lord. I love that these biblical truths weren't just reminders for my girls as we read, but for me, too!

Children are reminded that being brave doesn't mean never feeling afraid, but turning to God for help when they do. Through Scripture, including Romans 8:28 and John 16:33, this story encourages young readers to trust God even when life feels scary.

The world can feel pretty scary sometimes, even for our little ones. I'm thankful for stories that don't dismiss those fears but point children to the truth of God's Word and remind them that they can always turn to Him.

Thank you, @thegoodbookcompanyusa, for my copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. And thank you, @bethanymcilrath, for giving us a series and a character we can confidently read aloud or put in the hands of our children.

Abigail and the Fear-fix is a cosy, wholesome story kids will love!

Abigail faces many fears: thunder, high ropes courses, her friends being hurt, and even bears! But along the way she learns that Jesus has overcome all of these things and that even when bad things do happen, she can trust that God is working for good.

Bethany McIrath wants our kids to know:

"1. God is always with us, and nothing can separate us from him!
2. God is at work for our good, even in scary, hard things.
3. Because of Jesus, we know that even when we aren't okay, we are going to be okay.":

Kids will discover these gospel truths alongside Abigail as she faces her fears. And as people in Abigail's life help her to hear God's word and apply it, little readers will be encouraged to do the same in their own worlds, with their own fears.

I also just love how wholesome the story is. Abigail has a great relationship with her parents and her little brother; she cares deeply about her friends, and she wants to follow Jesus with genuineness and joy.

(It's worth noting that although the book is set in Autumn and deals with facing fears, it doesn't mention Halloween or the 'scary things' usually associated with it. )

This is our first book in the Abigail series, but we will definitely be keeping an eye out for more!