DREAM DEFENDERS #4: DANNY AND THE SLIPPERY STRESS by Tom Percival
PAPERBACK
Author & Illustrator: Tom Percival
Fast-paced, reassuring, and emotionally insightful, DANNY AND THE SLIPPERY STRESS is a powerful instalment in Tom Percival’s Dream Defenders series - helping children recognise stress and understand that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Erika has a secret. She’s a member of the Dream Defenders - a top-secret organisation that protects children from worries while they sleep. And tonight, there’s an urgent mission.
Danny is struggling. He feels overwhelmed and stressed, but he doesn’t know how to explain what’s wrong or ask for help. In his dreams, those feelings take shape as the terrifying Slippery Stress - a monster that’s hard to face and even harder to hold onto. With danger closing in, the Dream Defenders must act fast.
As the team works to rescue Danny, the story gently shows readers that stress can affect anyone - and that sharing worries can make them easier to manage. Written and illustrated by Tom Percival, this fully illustrated chapter book blends adventure, empathy, and emotional literacy into an engaging, accessible read.
Tackles stress and overwhelm in a child-friendly way, and encourages asking for help and emotional openness with relatable characters facing real feelings. Ideal for developing emotional awareness and resilience, and perfect for confident readers and those navigating big emotions, Dream Defenders: Danny and the Slippery Stress reminds children that they don’t have to handle everything alone - and that support is always within reach.
About the ‘Dream Defenders’ series: Each story follows Erika and her fellow Dream Defenders as they leap into incredible dream worlds to help children face their emotions - whether it’s anger, worry, or fear - and discover their inner strength. Perfect for readers aged 6–9, these fast-paced, illustrated chapter books combine fantasy, friendship, and emotional wellbeing in unforgettable adventures:
- Book 1: Erika and the Angermare
- Book 2: Chanda and the Devious Doubt
- Book 3: Silas and the Marvellous Misfits
- Book 4: Danny and the Slippery Stress