Picture book author, Stacey Marshall, joins the Spotlight this week to chat about her latest book
Author Name: Stacey Marshall
Book Title: Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes
Book Genre: Children’s Picture
Release Date: 8/5/2025
Publisher: Warren Publishing
Welcome, Stacey! How would you describe your book?
Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes is a fun-filled picture book, where a magical superhero principal helps a student(s) discover inner strength and communicate with confidence, turning fears into triumphs! It’s an empowering and inspiring journey for young readers with tips they’ll take with them their whole lives!
What sparked the idea for the book?
The idea for this book blossomed from my experiences as a public speaking coach, speech-language pathologist, and mom. I witnessed firsthand how many kids struggled with expressing themselves with confidence. So, I wanted to create a story that could guide them through their fears in a playful, relatable way, giving them simple but powerful tools to look, sound and feel confident while speaking. The superhero principal character was born out of a desire to make learning communication skills an exciting and magical experience!
How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do any research
Writing this book was a labor of love that took about a year. I immersed myself in research on child psychology and effective communication techniques to ensure the story was both engaging and educational. I wanted every page to resonate with readers and help them build confidence in their communication abilities in school and beyond.
What’s your favorite part about writing/being an author? What do you find challenging?
My favorite part is seeing the joy and confidence my books bring to kids. There’s nothing quite like knowing that your story has helped a child overcome their fears and find their voice. The most challenging part is ensuring the message is clear and accessible without losing the fun and excitement of the story. I made a concerted effort not to be too didactic in the book, and instead, I tried to sneak in the messages and tips in a concise way. Balancing education and entertainment is a delicate dance, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes?
They should read Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes because it’s not just a story—it’s a tool that helps kids build essential confident communication skills in an engaging way. Plus, who doesn’t love a superhero principal? It’s a book that combines adventure, humor, and heart, making it a great back-to-school book for young readers.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
I hope readers will take away the belief that they can overcome their fears about speaking up, and that their voices matter. I want them to feel empowered to express themselves confidently and know that they have the courage to face challenges. It’s a story about finding your inner superhero and embracing your unique strengths.
Any words of wisdom you give your pre-published writer self (or to a new writer)?
Believe in your story and don’t be afraid to revise. Writing is a process, and every draft brings you closer to the final product. Trust your instincts, be open to feedback, and remember that persistence is key. Your story deserves to be told, and with dedication, it will find its way into the hearts of readers.
What are your interests outside of writing and reading?
Outside of writing and reading, I enjoy public speaking, walking/hiking, and spending time with my friends and family. One thing I’m sort of known for is taking close friends and family on what I call “mystery dates,” where I surprise them with unique outings and adventures. For example, I’ve taken a berry-loving friend to a farm to pick strawberries or a cat-loving friend to a cat-café for a tea party. I recently took my family to a forest in the mountains to see the blue ghost fireflies. I try to curate a special and unique adventure every weekend. These activities help me recharge and find inspiration for my stories as well. Plus, they remind me of the importance of balance and joy in life.
Where can readers find you?
Thank you, Stacey! Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes is out NOW.
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. Suggested age range for readers: 4-11.
Author Bio:
Stacey Marshall is a bestselling author, public speaking and voice coach and speech-language pathologist. She loves working with kids and adults of all experience levels to develop their best, most confident speaking skills. She has coached both student and professional athletes in media best practices, and is a winner of the Women Executives International Speak-Out. She earned her B.A. in English from Duke University and her M.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.