Does your child struggle to settle down at night?

Are you searching for a gentle way to help little ones wind down after a busy day?

Do bedtime battles leave everyone frustrated and exhausted?

The Coast is Clear is a lyrical, soothing bedtime story that transforms ordinary nighttime sounds into a peaceful adventure—perfect for children ages 3-8 who need help finding calm.

Based on a true story from a Melbourne backyard, this unique mirror poem unfolds forward, then gently reverses back to where it began—like waves on the shore—naturally guiding children from alertness to peaceful sleep.

What You’ll Discover:

🦊 A True Story — Based on a real midnight fox visit in Melbourne

🌊 Mirror Poem Structure — Story flows forward, then backwards (like the tide)

🎵 FREE Professionally Engineered Soundscape — The story retold purely through sound, ending with calming sleep music

❤️ Hidden Hearts — One on every page for children to find

✏️ Hand-Drawn Art — Beautiful pencil illustrations by illustrator Matthew Valenti

🦅 Real Australian Wildlife — Fox, plover, and backyard creatures children actually see

🧘 Mindfulness Made Natural — Teaches listening skills through story

😌 Perfect for Ages 3-8 — Calming without being boring

A Mirror Poem That Moves Like the Tide

The Coast is Clear isn’t just another bedtime story—it’s an innovative mirror poem that unfolds forward, then gently reverses back to where it began.

This unique structure creates a soothing rhythm that naturally helps children relax and settle into sleep—like waves coming in and going back out, creating a satisfying sense of completion.

How it works:

• The story builds as sounds layer upon each other (fox appears, dog barks, lights turn on, clock chimes, plover calls)
• Then it mirrors back in reverse (plover settles, clock quiets, lights go off, dog settles, fox leaves peacefully)
• Children experience a gentle journey out… and then safely back to rest

Based on a True Melbourne Story

One quiet night in Melbourne, author Karen Brough and her family were fast asleep when a sudden commotion stirred outside. Her husband leapt up to investigate, but Karen stayed still, eyes closed, letting her ears tune in to the world beyond her window.

At first, they were just ordinary sounds—the sliding door’s scrape, the dog’s bark, the light clicking on, the clock’s chime, the plover’s call.

But as she listened, something beautiful happened.

Each sound connected to the next, weaving together like a story told in whispers through the night—an entire sound story, unfolding forwards and then backwards again, like a mirror poem carried on the night air.

This gentle wonder captured her heart. She couldn’t let it slip away, so she reached for the notebook beside her bed and began to write.

And that’s how The Coast is Clear was born—a reminder that peace, story, and wonder are always present in the simplest of moments, waiting for us to notice if we take time to listen.

FREE Professionally Engineered Story Soundscape

This isn’t just background music—it’s the story retold purely through sound.

When you purchase The Coast is Clear, you receive FREE access to an extraordinary companion experience: a professionally engineered soundscape that transports listeners directly into the scene Karen experienced that quiet Melbourne night.

Thoughtfully Crafted by a Professional Sound Engineer:

This isn’t a simple recording of random sounds. A professional sound engineer carefully crafted this soundscape to retell the entire story through sound alone—each element placed intentionally, building and releasing just like the mirror poem itself.

What You’ll Hear:

• The distinctive scrape of a sliding door opening
• A dog’s protective bark echoing through the night
• The soft click of a light switch
• The gentle chime of a grandfather clock
• The unmistakable call of an Australian plover
• The quiet pad of footsteps
• Natural nighttime ambience that wraps around you
• Calming, sleepy music that brings an extra level of peace as the soundscape concludes

The Experience:

This soundscape allows your child to experience exactly what the author heard—to be transported into that quiet Melbourne backyard, surrounded by the gentle sounds of night. It’s an immersive listening journey that extends the book far beyond the reading itself.

Three Powerful Ways to Use the Soundscape:

1.After Reading — Deepening the Experience:

After you finish reading the book together, play the soundscape. Children close their eyes and listen for the familiar sounds they just saw illustrated on the pages. The story comes alive in a completely new way—and the calming music at the end helps them drift peacefully toward sleep.

“Can you hear the sliding door? There’s the dog! Listen for the plover…”

2. Bedtime Routine — Creating Calm:

Many families play the soundscape as part of their nightly wind-down routine. The professionally crafted progression—from the alertness of the fox’s visit through to the peaceful sleepy music—mirrors the journey from wakefulness to rest that children need to make each night.

3. Educational Activities — Building Skills:

Teachers and parents use the soundscape for powerful learning activities:

• Listening Games: “How many different sounds can you identify?”
• Recall & Memory: “What order did the sounds happen in?”
• Comprehension: “Which sound matches which page in the book?”
• Sequencing: “Can you put the sounds in the right order?”
• Sound Mapping: “Draw what you hear”
• Creative Writing: “Write your own sound story”

Why This Matters:

Most picture books end when you close the cover. The Coast is Clear continues—through sound, through imagination, through the calming journey into sleep.

Sign up at karenbrough.com/free-resources to receive your FREE Story Soundscape.

Beautiful Hand-Drawn Illustrations

Illustrator Matthew Valenti brings this nighttime adventure to life with gorgeous hand-drawn pencil illustrations, inspired by the classic picture books of the ’90s and early 2000s.

Why children love the art:

• Hidden heart on every page — Children search for hearts woven into each illustration
• Gentle, peaceful atmosphere — Soft pencil work with subtle digital touches
• Engaging without overstimulating — Beautiful details that calm rather than excite
• Classic style — Timeless quality that parents appreciate

About the Illustrator:

Matthew Valenti is an illustrator from Melbourne, Australia, with a background in fine art and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design.

The Coast is Clear is his debut in children’s book illustration. Matthew brings a mix of playfulness and thoughtfulness to his work, blending pencil illustrations with subtle digital flair to create a gentle visual atmosphere.

With a hidden heart crafted into each page, his art invites readers to pause, notice, and discover.

Follow Matthew’s work on Instagram: @MattValenti

Teaches Mindfulness Naturally

Unlike books that feel “teachy” or clinical, The Coast is Clear weaves mindfulness naturally into an engaging story.

Children learn:

• Listening skills — Tuning into sounds around them
• Present-moment awareness — Noticing what’s happening right now
• Calm observation — Watching without needing to react
• That nighttime is peaceful — Not scary or frightening

Parents appreciate:

• No homework or worksheets
• No pressure to “learn” anything
• Just a beautiful story that happens to teach valuable skills
• Gentle tools for emotional regulation

Children learn:

• Listening skills — Tuning into sounds around them
• Present-moment awareness — Noticing what’s happening right now
• Calm observation — Watching without needing to react
• That nighttime is peaceful — Not scary or frightening

Parents appreciate:

• No homework or worksheets
• No pressure to “learn” anything
• Just a beautiful story that happens to teach valuable skills
  Gentle tools for emotional regulation

This Book Is For Your Child If:

For Any Child Who:

✅ They love animals and nature — Curious about wildlife, outdoor creatures, and what happens in the backyard at night.

✅ They enjoy stories with rhythm and pattern — They love books with predictable, satisfying structures (though not necessarily rhyming).

✅ They like interactive elements — Searching for hidden pictures, finding details in illustrations, spotting the hearts on every page.

✅ They’re ages 3-8 — Perfect for preschool through early elementary, though some 2-year-olds and older children also enjoy it.

✅ They enjoy bedtime stories — A gentle, calming read that becomes a favourite to request again and again.

For Children Who Need Extra Help Settling:

✅ They struggle to wind down at bedtime — Busy minds that won’t slow down, bodies that won’t relax, transitions from play to sleep that are difficult.

✅ They’re overstimulated or have busy days — Screen time, school, activities, and play leave them wired rather than tired.

✅ They’re going through transitions — Moving houses, starting school, new sibling, or any change that affects sleep.

For Children Who Benefit from Gentle Support:

✅ They’re anxious or worried at night — Fears about the dark, worries about nighttime, or general anxiety that peaks at bedtime.

✅ They need help with emotional regulation — Big emotions throughout the day make it hard to find calm at night.

✅ They’re sensitive or observant children — They notice everything and need help filtering and processing.

This Book Is For You (Parents/Caregivers) If:

✅ You love reading with your child — You enjoy quality picture books and cozy bedtime reading time.

✅ You appreciate beautiful, quality books — Books that are gift-worthy, keepsake-quality, and a pleasure to read repeatedly.

✅ You want books with longevity — Not outgrown quickly; works across multiple ages and stages.

✅ You’re looking for Australian content — You want books that reflect Australian wildlife, settings, and authors.

✅ You want books that actually help at bedtime — Not just entertaining, but functionally calming.

✅ Bedtimes have become challenging — You’re looking for tools to help the nightly wind-down go more smoothly.

✅ You value mindfulness and emotional wellness — You’re raising kids to be aware, present, and emotionally healthy.

✅ You need flexible bedtime tools — Some nights you have energy for the full story, other nights you need something quick.

This Book Is For Educators If:

✅ You teach preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary (ages 3-8)

✅ You need books for:

• Listening skills and auditory processing units
• Sound awareness and mindful listening
• Australian wildlife and nature studies
• Creative writing and poetry (mirror poems)
• Mindfulness and classroom calming activities
• Rest time or transition periods

✅ You want multi-use classroom resources — The soundscape audio is perfect for listening activities, quiet time, and creative writing prompts.

✅ You appreciate books with educational depth — Not just entertainment, but rich teaching opportunities.

Read This Book When:

• You want a beautiful, calming bedtime story
• You’re looking for something different from the usual bedtime books
• Your child loves animals and nature
• Bedtime needs a bit more structure or calm
• You’re establishing a new bedtime routine
• Your child is anxious about nighttime
• You’re going through family transitions (moving, new sibling, etc.)
• You want to teach listening skills in a natural way
• You need a break from the same bedtime books
• You want something with Australian wildlife and settings

Give The Coast is Clear When:

• Baby showers or first birthdays (books they’ll grow into)
• Preschool or kindergarten birthdays (ages 3-8)
• Transitions (starting school, moving houses, new sibling)
• A child is experiencing anxiety or sleep struggles
• You want a meaningful, beautiful gift
• Supporting a teacher’s classroom library
• Graduation from preschool/kindergarten
• “Just because” — a lovely surprise for a child you love

Does it actually work? That’s what every exhausted parent wants to know.

Here’s why The Coast is Clear is different from typical bedtime books:

The Mirror Poem Structure:

Unlike traditional stories that have a beginning, middle, and end that could go anywhere, the mirror poem structure creates a predictable, soothing pattern that signals to children’s brains: “We’re going out… and now we’re coming safely back home.”

This circular journey creates a sense of completion and safety that helps children feel ready to sleep.

The Rhythm and Pacing:

The text has a natural rhythm (though it doesn’t rhyme) that slows as you read. Parents report they naturally start reading more slowly, which helps everyone relax.

The Soundscape Audio:

Playing the gentle sounds after reading (or during) provides a calming audio environment that deepens relaxation. Many families report this has become an essential part of their bedtime routine.

What Parents Say:

“It turned bedtime into a peaceful little ritual.” — SAID

“The poem takes you out and brings you back like the tide.” — Linda Foster

“The writing captured the emotion… the tense alertness that slowly slides back to calm.” — C.S. Alan

Books for Anxious Children Ages 3-8

Nighttime anxiety is real—and it’s exhausting for everyone.

Many children experience heightened anxiety at bedtime when the day slows down and their minds start racing. The Coast is Clear helps anxious children in several ways:

1.Shows Nighttime as Peaceful, Not Scary:

The fox isn’t frightening—it’s gentle and curious. The dog isn’t aggressive—it’s protective but calm. All creatures are simply going about their quiet nighttime routines. This helps children see nighttime as something calm and natural, not something to fear.

2. Teaches Mindful Listening:

Instead of their minds racing with worries, children focus on the sounds in the story. This gives anxious minds something specific to notice, which interrupts the worry spiral.

3. Predictable Pattern Creates Safety:

Anxious children often need predictability. The mirror poem structure provides exactly that—they know the story will come full circle back to peace and rest.

4. No Scary Elements:

No monsters, no danger, no conflict. Just peaceful creatures finding their way home to sleep—just like the child listening.

5. The Soundscape Audio Provides Grounding:

For anxious children who benefit from sensory tools, the soundscape audio gives them something external to focus on, helping ground them in the present moment.

Teaching mindfulness without it feeling like “homework.”

The Coast is Clear introduces mindfulness concepts in a way that feels natural and fun—not clinical or forced.

What Children Learn:

Listening Awareness: The entire story is built around sounds. Children naturally start noticing sounds around them, which is a foundational mindfulness skill.

Present-Moment Focus: The story happens in real-time—right now, in this backyard, these sounds are occurring. Children learn to be present with what’s happening rather than worrying about past or future.

Observation Without Reaction: The story teaches calm observation—noticing the fox, hearing the sounds, watching the night—without needing to do anything about it. This is a key emotional regulation skill.

Body Awareness: As children listen to the sounds and follow the story, they naturally become more aware of their own breathing, settling, and relaxing.

How to Use It for Mindfulness:

Before Reading: “Tonight, let’s listen very carefully to all the sounds in the story. See if you can hear them in your imagination.”

During Reading: Pause occasionally: “Did you hear that? What sound was that?”

After Reading: Play the soundscape audio: “Close your eyes and just listen. Can you hear the sliding door? The clock? The plover?”

Beyond Bedtime: Use the soundscape during the day for calm-down time, car rides, or when your child needs to reset.

Beyond Kangaroos and Koalas — Real Australian Backyard Wildlife

While many Australian children’s books feature the “big icons”—kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses—The Coast is Clear celebrates the wildlife that Australian children actually encounter in their own backyards.

The Animals in This Story:

🦊 The Red Fox

The fox in this story is portrayed as a gentle, curious nighttime visitor. Red foxes were introduced to Australia in the 1850s for recreational hunting and have since become established across the country. While they’re considered a pest species due to their impact on native wildlife, they’re also a reality of Australian suburban life—and many Australian children have seen a fox crossing the road or visiting the backyard at night. This story shows the fox as part of the ecosystem, neither villain nor hero, simply going about its nocturnal business.

🦅 The Masked Lapwing (Plover)

The plover is native to Australia and one of the most distinctive backyard birds. Known for their sharp “kekekekeke” alarm call (especially at night!), plovers are famous for nesting on the ground and fiercely protecting their eggs. Australian children often encounter plovers at parks, sports fields, and in backyards. The plover in this story hurries home to her nest—a familiar sight for anyone who’s walked near a plover family.

🐕 The Family Dog

A loyal, protective presence who barks at the nighttime visitor—just as dogs do in homes across Australia and the world.

Why This Honest Approach Matters:

Rather than presenting an idealised “wildlife documentary” version of Australia, this book shows real backyard life—including animals that were introduced but are now part of the Australian landscape. This creates opportunities for honest conversations:

• “Did you know foxes weren’t always in Australia?”
• “What other animals visit our backyard at night?”
• “Why do plovers make that loud sound?”

Australian Identity:

🏡 Melbourne Setting — An authentic Australian backyard, not a generic “anywhere” setting

✍️ Melbourne Creators — Author Karen Brough and illustrator Matthew Valenti are both from Melbourne

🌙 Real Australian Sounds — The sounds in this book are sounds Australian children actually hear

Educational Value:

Honest Wildlife Learning:

• Foxes: introduced species, nocturnal behavior, suburban adaptation
• Plovers: native species, distinctive call, ground-nesting habits, protective nature
• Backyard ecosystems: how different animals (native, introduced, domestic) coexist
• Conservation conversations: what “native” and “introduced” mean

Connection to Place: Children benefit from seeing their own world reflected in books. The backyard in this story could be any Melbourne backyard. The sounds are familiar. The experience is real—because it was real.

Respect for All Creatures: The story emphasizes mutual respect between animals and humans—each acknowledging the other, then returning to their own spaces. The fox isn’t demonised despite being an introduced species. The plover isn’t romanticised. They’re simply creatures sharing the night, each with their own place to return to.

A story that goes forward… then backward… creating perfect symmetry.

A mirror poem is a unique structure where the narrative unfolds in one direction, then reverses back to where it began—like a reflection in water or waves on the shore.

Why This Structure Works for Bedtime:

1. Creates Completion: Children experience a satisfying full circle—everything that happened is now resolved and peaceful again.
2. Signals Safety: The reverse journey shows children that what went out is now safely back. This is deeply reassuring.
3. Natural Rhythm: The building and releasing creates a rhythm similar to breathing—in and out, tension and release.
4. Memorable Pattern: Children love the predictability and often want to participate, saying the reversed lines with you.
5. Calming Effect: The symmetry itself is soothing to the brain, creating order and peace.

More than just a book—a complete sensory journey.

The Coast is Clear includes FREE access to something truly special: a professionally engineered soundscape that extends the story far beyond the final page.

What Makes This Different from Audiobooks:

This isn’t someone reading the story aloud. This is the story retold purely through sound—a carefully crafted audio experience created by a professional sound engineer who thoughtfully placed each element to mirror the book’s journey.

You’ll hear:

• The sliding door scraping open
• The dog’s alert bark
• The click of the light
• The clock’s gentle chime
• The plover’s distinctive call
• Footsteps in the night
• And finally… calming, sleepy music that brings the experience to a peaceful close

The Experience of Being Transported:

Close your eyes, and you’re there—in that quiet Melbourne backyard, experiencing exactly what Karen heard that night. The soundscape doesn’t just accompany the story; it immerses you in it.

For children, this creates a powerful connection. They’ve seen the illustrations. They’ve heard the words. Now they can listen to the actual sounds and feel transported into the scene themselves.

How Families Use the Soundscape:

After Reading (Deepening Connection): Play the soundscape after finishing the book. Children listen with eyes closed, identifying the sounds they just saw illustrated. This reinforces comprehension and extends the calming effect.

“There’s the plover! I saw her in her nest!”

Bedtime Routine (Sleep Cue): The progression from alert sounds to calming music mirrors the journey from wakefulness to sleep. Many families report this has become an essential part of their wind-down routine—children request it by name.

Car Rides (Calming Travel): Perfect for restless travelers. The familiar sounds from their beloved book create instant calm, and the sleepy music helps on long journeys.

Quiet Time (Restorative Moments): During naptime, rest periods, or when children need to reset, the soundscape provides peaceful audio that doesn’t require screens.

How Educators Use the Soundscape:

The soundscape is a powerful educational tool that supports multiple learning styles:

For Auditory Learners:

• Primary learning mode—they thrive with sound-based content
• Strengthens listening skills naturally
• Builds auditory processing abilities

For Visual Learners:

• Connect sounds to illustrations they’ve seen
• “Sound mapping” activities (draw what you hear)
• Strengthens visual-auditory connections

For Kinesthetic Learners:

• Act out sounds as they hear them
• Movement-based listening games
• Physical response activities

To Access Your FREE Soundscape:

Sign up at karenbrough.com/free-resources with proof of purchase.

The soundscape is delivered digitally—play it on any device, anywhere, as many times as you need.

A meaningful gift that parents will actually appreciate.

Tired of giving toys that break or books that get read once and forgotten? The Coast is Clear is the kind of book that becomes a family favorite—read night after night, requested repeatedly, and treasured for years.

Why This Makes a Perfect Gift:

✅ Beautiful Quality — Hand-drawn illustrations and thoughtful design make this gift-worthy, not just a disposable book.

✅ Actually Useful — Parents struggle with bedtime. This genuinely helps. They’ll thank you every time it works.

✅ Multi-Age Appeal — Works for ages 3-8, so they won’t outgrow it quickly. Younger siblings will love it too.

✅ Bonus Included — The FREE soundscape audio adds extra value beyond just the book itself.

✅ Australian Made — Supporting local authors and illustrators (Melbourne-based Karen Brough and Matthew Valenti).

✅ Educational Without Being “Teachy” — Kids have fun, parents appreciate the mindfulness and listening skills being developed.

✅ Interactive Element — Hidden hearts on every page keep children engaged through many readings.

Gift-Giving Occasions:

Birthdays: Perfect for ages 3-8. Include a note: “For peaceful bedtimes and wonderful listening adventures!”

Baby Showers: Books that babies grow into are treasured. This one will be perfect when they reach 3.

Preschool/Kindergarten Graduation: Celebrate this milestone with a book about the wonder of listening and the peace of nighttime.

“Just Because”: Sometimes the best gifts are unexpected. Show a child you’re thinking of them.

Moving Houses: Transitions disrupt sleep. This book helps children settle into new spaces.

New Sibling: Big siblings going through change will benefit from the calming routine and special reading time.

Teacher Gifts: Perfect for classroom libraries—teachers will use it for years.

How to Present It:

Pair it with:

• A cozy blanket or pillow (for reading together)
• A small flashlight (for finding the hidden hearts)
• Headphones (for the soundscape audio)
• A handwritten note explaining why you chose it

Books for Preschool & Kindergarten Classroom

Multi-use resource for teachers.

The Coast is Clear isn’t just a bedtime book—it’s a rich teaching tool for early childhood educators.

Curriculum Connections:

Literacy Skills:

• Listening and auditory processing
• Vocabulary development (nocturnal, plover, soundscape, mirror poem)
• Story structure and sequencing
• Creative writing (write your own sound story)
• Poetry structure (mirror poems)

Science:

• Australian wildlife (foxes, plovers)
• Nocturnal animals and behavior
• Animal habitats and coexistence
• Listening skills and sound awareness
• Sound and vibration

Social-Emotional Learning:

• Mindfulness and present-moment awareness
• Calm observation without reaction
• Respect for nature and animals
• Emotional regulation tools
• Peaceful coexistence

Art:

• Observation skills (finding hidden hearts)
• Illustration styles (pencil work, hand-drawn art)
• Australian illustrators (Matthew Valenti)

Classroom Activities:

Sound Stories: Have students close their eyes and listen to sounds in the classroom or outside. Create a class “sound story” about their school.

Mirror Poem Writing: Use the book as a model to write mirror poems about morning routines, playground time, or lunchtime.

Wildlife Study: Research Australian foxes and plovers. Discuss nocturnal animals and why some animals are active at night.

Hidden Picture Game: Challenge students to find all the hearts. Create their own illustrations with hidden shapes.

Soundscape Creation: Record sounds around school. Create a classroom soundscape for rest time.

Mindfulness Practice: Use the book’s soundscape audio for mindful listening exercises, calm corners, or transition times.

Why Teachers Love This Book:

✅ Flexible Use — Morning circle, rest time, transitions, or full lessons

✅ Engaging for All Learners — Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements

✅ Australian Content — Local wildlife and settings

✅ Calming Tool — Actually helps settle excited classrooms

✅ Multi-Age — Works for preschool through early elementary

Bulk Classroom Orders: Contact Karen at her website for classroom sets or school library orders.

Creating the Perfect Bedtime Experience:

Step 1: Set the Atmosphere

• Dim the lights
• Get cozy together (bed, couch, reading nook)
• Turn off screens and distractions
• Signal to your child: “It’s time to wind down”

Step 2: Read Together

• Let the rhythm naturally slow your pace
• Point out the sounds: “Do you hear the clock chiming?”
• Search for the hidden heart on each page
• Notice how the story goes forward then backward

Step 3: Play the Soundscape (The Extended Experience)

This is where the book becomes something more.

After reading, play the professionally engineered soundscape:

• Children close their eyes
• They listen for familiar sounds from the story
• “Can you hear the sliding door? There’s the dog! Listen for the plover…”
• The soundscape builds and releases, just like the mirror poem
• Finally, the calming sleepy music wraps around them, bringing an extra layer of peace

This isn’t background noise—it’s the story retold through sound, transporting your child directly into that quiet Melbourne night.

Step 4: Let the Music Carry Them to Sleep

The soundscape concludes with gentle, calming music specifically designed to ease the transition to sleep. Many families let this play softly as their child drifts off.

Step 5: Make It a Ritual

• Consistency helps children settle
• Same book, same soundscape, same calming result
• Children come to associate these sounds with peace and safety
• Many families report this becomes their child’s most-requested bedtime routine

Beyond Bedtime:

During the Day:

• Quiet time or rest periods
• After busy, overstimulating activities
• When your child needs to calm down
• Transitions between activities

In the Car:

• Play the soundscape for calm journeys
• Children request it by name: “Play the fox sounds!”
• The familiar sounds create instant comfort
• Prevents screen time while still engaging them

For Transitions:

• Moving houses (familiar sounds = comfort)
• Starting school or daycare
• New sibling arrivals
• Any change that affects sleep or emotional regulation

Educational Activities with the Soundscape:

Listening Games:

• “How many different sounds can you count?”
• “What sound comes after the clock chimes?”
• “Can you clap when you hear the plover?”

Memory & Recall:

• “What sounds did you hear? Can you name them all?”
• “What order did the sounds happen in?”
• “Which sound was your favorite? Why?”

Comprehension Building:

• “Which page in the book matches this sound?”
• “What was the fox doing when we heard this?”
• “Why do you think the dog barked?”

Creative Extension:

• “What sounds would you hear in YOUR backyard at night?”
• “Draw what you imagine when you hear this sound”
• “Make up a story using three sounds from the soundscape”

For Teachers:

Morning Circle: Read to set a calm, focused tone for the day.

Rest Time: Perfect for naptime or quiet reading. Play the soundscape for calming atmosphere—the sleepy music at the end helps children settle.

Transitions: Between activities, lunch, or before going home—the soundscape helps children reset.

Curriculum Integration:

• Listening skills units
• Australian wildlife studies
• Creative writing (sound stories, mirror poems)
• Mindfulness and emotional regulation

Calm Corner: Keep a copy in your classroom calm corner with headphones for the soundscape—children can self-regulate using this familiar, soothing audio.

The Complete Nighttime Journey:

On Every Page:

Lyrical Text: Short, rhythmic phrases that flow naturally when read aloud. Though it doesn’t rhyme, there’s a musical quality that children love.

Hand-Drawn Illustrations: Beautiful pencil artwork by Matthew Valenti that captures the gentle mystery of nighttime. Soft, peaceful, and engaging without being overstimulating.

Hidden Hearts: One heart cleverly woven into each illustration—giving children something to search for and find. “Did you find the heart on this page?”

Australian Setting: Authentic Melbourne backyard with fox, plover, and Australian atmosphere.

Special Features:

📖 32 Pages — Perfect length for bedtime (not too long, not too short)

🎨 Hand-Drawn Art — Pencil illustrations with subtle digital touches

❤️ Interactive Element — Hidden heart on every page

🎵 FREE Soundscape — Actual sounds from the story (with book purchase)

🇦🇺 Australian Wildlife — Fox, plover, and local backyard setting

📚 Ages 3-8 — Perfect for preschool through early elementary

🧘 Mindfulness Integrated — Naturally teaches listening and awareness

🌙 Peaceful Tone — No scary elements, conflict, or fear

“Unlike Any Other Children’s Book”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ SAID (Verified Amazon Purchase)

“The Coast is Clear is unlike any other children’s book I’ve read. Its mirror-poem structure is very interesting, unfolding gently forward and backward like the rhythm of the ocean itself. The way everyday sounds become part of the story makes it both calming and immersive and the illustrations are simply enchanting. My 2 daughters loved listening to the free soundscape that accompanies the story. It turned bedtime into a peaceful little ritual. A perfect book for kids who need help winding down at night or who find comfort in soft, sensory storytelling.”

“Beautiful Story Beautifully Illustrated”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ C.S. Alan

“I truly loved this little story. I could feel myself catching my breath. The writing definitely captured the emotion and spirit of a noise in the night, the tense alertness that slowly slides back to calm. The illustrations were phenomenal, truly capturing the spirit of the writing. Highly Recommended.”

“Perfect Bedtime Story”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Linda Foster

“The Coast is Clear is a perfect bedtime story for young children with it’s calming mirror poem. The poem takes you out and brings you back like the tide. It captures feelings of peace and wonder in the natural world. Beautifully illustrated, don’t forget to look for the hearts. Highly recommend this delightful book.”

“Peace, Nature, and Peace with Nature”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Aegelis

“Feel-good telling of a late-night fox visit in a home’s backyard. Vocabulary is right for young kids, and illustrations are bright, colourful, and classic in style. Although the story is kept simple, there’s a lot to be said about the mutual respect between animals and humans, a nod to each other. A valuable lesson in living and letting live that we can learn at any age. Goodnight dog, goodnight human, goodnight fox.”

“A Perfect Bedtime Story”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beatrix Quinn

“I love this book! It is rhythmic without being rhyming. It has gorgeous illustrations. A peaceful read about animals and a dog.”

“Good Read”

⭐⭐⭐ Paula Jones

“This was a good book my daughter enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.”

How the Story Begins:

All is well.

In the hush of night, ordinary sounds transform into the extraordinary.

The scrape of a sliding door. The bark of a dog. The chime of a clock. The soft call of a plover.

Each sound weaves into a gentle tale of movement, stillness, and rest—a story that unfolds forwards, then backwards, like a mirror poem carried on the night air.

The Mirror Poem in Action:

Forward:

The snore growls. The clock chimes. The lights click on. The sliding door scrapes. The dog proudly points the way. The plover hurries home. The fox lightly flees.

Backward:

The fox freezes. The plover rests in her nest. The dog proudly points the way. The plover hurries home. The sliding door scrapes. The light clicks off. The clock chimes. The snore growls.

Closing:

The Coast is Clear.

Karen Brough — Author

Karen Brough is an author from Melbourne, Australia, with a heart for creating stories that bring comfort and hope. As a former primary school teacher and mum of three, she understands the power of a good bedtime story to settle little hearts.

Karen has written fifteen books, including nurturing children’s titles like Angie Loves to Dance and The Tale of The Little Black Cloud, as well as the international bestseller I Can’t Believe They’re Gone. Her Be Held By Him series encourages adults through life’s ups and downs.

The Coast is Clear captures those peaceful nighttime moments when all creatures—foxes, plovers, and children alike—find their way to rest.

About the True Story:

One quiet night, Karen and her family were fast asleep when a sudden commotion stirred outside. Her husband leapt out of bed to investigate, but Karen stayed still, eyes closed, letting her ears tune in to the world beyond her window.

As she listened, something beautiful happened. Each sound connected to the next, weaving together like a story—forwards and then backwards—like a mirror poem carried on the night air.

This gentle wonder captured her heart. She reached for the notebook beside her bed and began to write. And that’s how The Coast is Clear was born.

Karen lives with her husband Craig (who lived this story for real!), their children, and groodle Gracie, who keeps everyone on their toes.

Website: www.karenbrough.com/kids

Matthew Valenti — Illustrator

Matthew Valenti is an illustrator from Melbourne, Australia, with a background in fine art and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design.

The Coast is Clear is his debut in children’s book illustration. Inspired by the hand-drawn picture books of the ’90s and early 2000s, Matthew brings a mix of playfulness and thoughtfulness to his work, blending pencil illustrations with subtle digital flair to create a gentle visual atmosphere.

With a hidden heart crafted into each page, his art invites readers to pause, notice, and discover.

Follow Matthew’s work: Instagram: @MattValenti

Title: The Coast is Clear

Subtitle: A Calming Bedtime Story (mirror poem)

Author: Karen Brough

Illustrator: Matthew Valenti

Formatter/Design: Amanda Letcher

Publisher: Heart Hope Publishing, Melbourne, Australia

Format: Paperback, Hardback, Ebook, Audiobook

Page Count: 32 pages

Trim Size: Standard picture book format

Reading Time: 5-10 minutes (perfect for bedtime)

Age Range: Perfect for ages 3-8

Best For: Bedtime routines, anxious children, busy kids who need help calming down, classroom read-alouds, quiet time, transitions

Special Features:

• Hand-drawn pencil illustrations
• Hidden heart on every page
• FREE professionally engineered story soundscape (with purchase)
• Mirror poem structure (forward then backward)
• Based on true story from Melbourne
• Australian wildlife (fox, plover, backyard setting)
• Calming sleepy music finale in soundscape

Formats Available:

📕 Paperback (ISBN: 978-0-6452451-8-9)

📘 Hardback (ISBN: 978-0-6454975-0-2)

📱 Ebook (ISBN: 978-0-6452451-9-6)

🎧 Audiobook (ISBN: 978-1-922967-27-5)

First Edition: 2025

Printed in: Melbourne, Australia

BONUS: FREE Professionally Engineered Soundscape

All book purchases include FREE access to the story soundscape—a professionally crafted audio experience that retells the story purely through sound, concluding with calming sleepy music.

What’s Included:

• Every sound from the story, thoughtfully sequenced
• Professional sound engineering
• Natural nighttime ambience
• Calming sleepy music finale
• Digital delivery (play on any device)

Sign up at: karenbrough.com/free-resources

Is this book appropriate for my child’s age?

The Coast is Clear is perfect for children ages 3-8.

Ages 3-5: Will love the rhythmic text, beautiful illustrations, and the adventure of a fox visiting the backyard. Perfect for developing listening skills.

Ages 6-8: Will appreciate the mirror poem structure, the mindfulness aspect, and can even try writing their own sound stories. Perfect for creative writing lessons.

The vocabulary is accessible for early readers while remaining engaging for children being read to.

Will this actually help my child calm down at bedtime?

Many parents report that the rhythmic mirror poem structure and gentle pacing naturally help children relax.

The story doesn’t have dramatic conflict or excitement that might wind children up—instead, it guides them through a peaceful cycle of sounds that come and go, teaching the reassuring message that nighttime is safe and temporary.

The FREE soundscape deepens this effect by providing actual calming audio that many families use every night.

What’s a mirror poem?

A mirror poem is a structure where the story unfolds forward, then reverses back to where it began—like a reflection or the tide coming in and going back out.

In The Coast is Clear, sounds build up as the fox visits the backyard, then they happen in reverse as everything returns to peaceful sleep.

This creates a satisfying sense of completion and closure that helps children feel ready to sleep.

Is this a scary book about nighttime animals?

Not at all! This book shows nighttime as peaceful, not frightening.

The fox is portrayed as a gentle visitor, the dog as protective but not aggressive, and all creatures are simply going about their quiet nighttime routines.

The story emphasizes the beauty and wonder of nature at night, helping children see nighttime as something curious and calm rather than something to fear.

Can I use this in my classroom or therapy practice?

Absolutely! Teachers and therapists love using The Coast is Clear for:

• Teaching mindfulness and listening skills
• Introducing Australian wildlife
• Creative writing lessons about mirror poems
• Sensory awareness activities
• Calming transitions between activities
• Creating peaceful classroom moments

The soundscape audio is particularly useful for creating immersive learning experiences.

Contact Karen for bulk classroom orders.

What are the hidden hearts for?

Each page features a cleverly hidden heart woven into the illustration.

Children love searching for them, which helps keep restless little ones engaged and looking closely at the beautiful artwork.

It also gives you something to talk about together: “Can you find the heart on this page?”

This interactive element makes the book perfect for multiple readings—children want to find the hearts again and again.

Is there really a free soundscape?

Yes! When you purchase the book, you receive free access to a professionally engineered soundscape that retells the story purely through sound.

This isn’t just random background noise—a professional sound engineer thoughtfully crafted this audio experience, placing each sound intentionally to mirror the journey of the book. You’ll hear the sliding door, dog bark, clock chime, plover call, and more—building and releasing just like the mirror poem.

The soundscape concludes with calming, sleepy music specifically designed to ease the transition to sleep.

How families use it:

• After reading, to deepen the experience
• As a standalone bedtime routine element
• In the car for calm journeys
• For educational listening games and activities

How educators use it:

• Listening skills and auditory processing
• Memory and recall activities
• Comprehension building across learning styles
• Calm corner and transition support

Sign up at karenbrough.com/free-resources with your book purchase confirmation.

What makes this different from other bedtime books?

Unlike traditional bedtime stories, The Coast is Clear offers:

• A unique mirror poem structure that naturally guides children from alertness to calm
• A professionally engineered soundscape that retells the story through sound alone—not just background music, but a complete audio experience crafted by a professional sound engineer
• Calming sleepy music that concludes the soundscape, adding an extra layer of peace
• True story basis from a real Melbourne family’s nighttime experience
• Mindfulness teaching woven naturally into an engaging story
• Hidden interactive elements (hearts) that keep children engaged through multiple readings
• Australian wildlife that feels fresh and different from typical bedtime stories

Can younger children (under 3) enjoy this?

While the book is designed for ages 3-8, many parents successfully share it with children as young as 18 months-2 years who enjoy the rhythmic text and beautiful illustrations.

Younger toddlers may not grasp the mirror poem structure but will still find comfort in the gentle repetition and soothing sounds.

Use your judgment based on your child’s attention span and interests.

My child has ADHD/anxiety/sensory sensitivities. Will this work for them?

Many parents of neurodivergent children report that this book works beautifully because:

• The predictable mirror structure provides comfort
• The focus on sounds gives busy minds something specific to notice
• The soundscape audio provides sensory input that some children find grounding
• There’s no pressure—children can look at pictures, listen, or both
• The calming tone without being boring keeps attention

Every child is different, but the structure and approach of this book support many different needs.

Transform bedtime from a battle into a beautiful ritual.

Help your child discover the wonder of listening, the beauty of nature, and the gentle peace of nighttime.

Available in:

BONUS: All formats include FREE access to the Story Soundscape audio.

🎁 Perfect for Gift-Giving:

• Baby showers & first birthdays
• Preschool & kindergarten birthdays (ages 3-8)
• Transitions (new school, moving, new sibling)
• Supporting a child experiencing anxiety
• Teacher appreciation & classroom libraries
• “Just because” — showing a child you care

Get Your FREE Professionally Engineered Soundscape

Purchase the book and receive FREE access to an extraordinary companion experience:

The Story Retold Through Sound

A professional sound engineer thoughtfully crafted this soundscape to transport listeners directly into the scene. Every sound is intentionally placed, building and releasing just like the mirror poem—concluding with calming, sleepy music that eases the transition to rest.

Use it for:

• Deepening the bedtime experience after reading
• Standalone calming audio for car rides and quiet time
• Educational activities (listening games, recall, comprehension)
• Sleep cue that children associate with peace and safety

Sign up at: karenbrough.com/free-resources

Explore More Stories

Have You Seen Karen’s Other Children’s Books?

If your family loves The Coast is Clear, discover Karen’s other gentle stories that help children understand and express big emotions:

The Tale of The Little Black Cloud — An award-winning story about understanding sadness and knowing it’s okay to not be okay.

Angie Loves to Dance — A heartwarming tale about following your dreams and expressing yourself.

All of Karen’s children’s books create safe spaces for children to explore emotions while providing comfort and hope.

For Educators:

• Download teaching resources
• Lesson plan ideas for mirror poems
• Australian wildlife activities
• Mindfulness exercises using the book

Contact Karen for bulk classroom orders.

Karen Brough is an author from Melbourne, Australia, passionate about creating stories that bring comfort and hope to children and adults alike.

Website: www.karenbrough.com

Children’s Books: www.karenbrough.com/kids

Free Resources: www.karenbrough.com/free-resources

Social Media:

Follow Illustrator Matthew Valenti:

Instagram: @MattValenti

Publisher:

Heart Hope Publishing Melbourne, Australia

Loved this book?

Your thoughts matter! Please consider leaving a quick review to help other families discover The Coast is Clear.

Share how this book helped your child wind down, what you loved about the illustrations, or how the soundscape became part of your bedtime routine.

Your honest feedback helps other parents find peaceful bedtime solutions.

Where to Review:

• Amazon
• Goodreads
• Your favorite bookseller
• Social media with #TheCoastIsClear

Thank you for supporting independent children’s authors and for bringing this peaceful story into your home. ❤️