Simon the Scared Rottweiler
Written by Nicole S. Kluemper, Ph.D.
Ages: 4–8 | 34 Pages
Publisher: Nicole S Kluemper (2026) | ISBN: 979-8218884802
Publisher’s Book Summary: Simon is having a hard day. He wakes up to a bad dream, the fire alarm goes off at school, some big bullies bother him, and that’s not all! Just then, Kevin’s big sister Angie steps in and helps Simon by teaching him some skills for dealing with his worry that will last a lifetime.
Available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole Kluemper, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at a small community clinic in San Diego, California. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of San Diego and her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Alliant International University. Dr. Kluemper is a Navy veteran, a published author, and lives just outside San Diego with her husband of seventeen years and their dog, Simon.
To learn more, visit www.nicolekluemper.com and/or Instagram.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story?
Nicole Kluemper - To be honest, necessity was the mother of invention in this case. I needed a tool to help me in my practice when working with young kids who were struggling with anxiety. It can be so hard to talk about, and even harder to break through. I had seen how powerful books could be when working with kiddos on other topics (like anger), so I knew it was possible. I just needed the specific tool for the job I was doing, so I created it.
With so many obstacles in terms of access to care these days, I wanted to reach out and help in some way. I’m certainly not saying a book replaces therapy, but the stigma associated with mental health services stops a parent from seeking therapy for the little one, perhaps they are willing to buy a children’s book?
My Simon has struggled with behavioral issues pretty much his entire life, and I firmly believe these stem from his anxiety. Everyone thinks Rottweilers are so tough, but that’s certainly not always the case, even when they act that way. The same can be true with people. I hope people get that I was trying to challenge these stereotypes and the stigma associated with mental health even with the title of the book.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope children will learn from this story?
Nicole Kluemper - Belly breathing! Of course…but I also hope they learn that they are not alone. I want kids struggling with big feelings to see that they can overcome hard things. They don’t have to stuff their feelings down or be ashamed – there’s hope! I also hope they learn persistence; Simon was about to leave when everything changed for him. I think there is a life lesson there.
Life Is What It's Called - How do you see this story being used in classrooms, counseling, at home or in storytimes?
Nicole Kluemper - In my own practice, I sometimes read the book aloud with the kiddo then help them make a thought bottle which they get to take home with them. The book gives common language and is a good jumping off point for conversation about anxiety. I guess I hope parents can use the book in a similar way at home. I picture parents and children hunched over bottles and glitter and super glue (while the grownups quietly curse me for sending glitter into their homes). I hope it gives parents who struggle with “what can I do for my child?” a tangible ‘thing they can do.’
Life Is What It's Called - What's your favorite line from the story and why?
Nicole Kluemper - When Simon and Angie are sitting at the kitchen table and she tells him that by the time the water is clear, his mind will be too. The line reads: “I gave her the side eye.” I love this line because it’s something the real Simon does to me all the time! It’s hysterical! Sometimes I could swear he knows what I’m saying, because he seriously looks at me sideways like “yeah, right.”
I also think parents can relate to this sentiment. If parents are going to read this story over and over again, I might as well make it fun for them too, right? This line was for the grownups in the audience. What parent hasn’t gotten the side eye from their four- year-old?
Life Is What It's Called - What can you share about your background and how it was helpful in developing this story?
Nicole Kluemper - When I was five years old, my parents were going through a pretty ugly divorce. A mental health professional was called in, and he was interested in what I had to say at a time when I really needed that. That experience resonated with me so much that my little five-year-old self decided then and there that she was going to grow up and help kids who had been through hard things. My love for helping kids is certainly the driving force behind this book.
Life Is What It's Called - What writing projects are you working on next?
Nicole Kluemper - My sweet Simon is sort of an obedience school dropout. Simon’s former trainer thinks Simon may be neurodivergent. I was talking about this with my husband and best friend, and essentially it morphed into an idea for a new book in which Simon has a friend on the autism spectrum. The story would focus on the adventures of this friend, and maybe some new coping skills too. I’m not totally sure yet, but that is as far as I’ve come with the idea.
GIVEAWAY
Five lucky readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a paperback copy of Simon the Scared Rottweiler.
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This post is sponsored by Nicole S. Kluemper. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. Or: Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to share my opinion.
