April 2026 — Acclaimed author and former principal ballet dancer Robin Conrad Sturm announces the release of her newest children’s book, Beckett’s Monsters, a heartfelt and empowering story that encourages young readers to confront their fears and discover the strength within themselves.
In Beckett’s Monsters, readers meet Beckett, a young boy eagerly anticipating a long-awaited trip to the fair. What begins as excitement quickly turns into fear when he is faced with experiences that feel overwhelming. Through Beckett’s journey, children learn an important and reassuring truth: the size of our fears does not determine their power. With courage, faith, and inner strength, even the scariest “monsters” can be overcome.
Inspired by real-life experiences, Sturm draws on a moment familiar to many families. “The little boy in this story had been looking forward to the fair for months,” she shares. “But when he got there, fear nearly took over. Fear is universal, for both children and adults. We all face ‘monsters’ in our lives, and I want children to understand that they are stronger than they realize.”
Beckett’s Monsters is written for children ages five and up and is rooted in a faith-based perspective, offering both comfort and encouragement. While the story resonates with young readers, its message extends to adults as well, serving as a gentle reminder that courage and resilience are cultivated from within.
Robin Conrad Sturm brings a rich and accomplished background to her writing. She began her ballet training at the Washington School of the Ballet and went on to become a principal dancer with the Washington Ballet, where she originated leading roles in works by renowned choreographer Choo San Goh. Her distinguished career includes performances in notable productions such as Serenade and Carmina Burana, as well as an appearance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
In addition to her performing career, Sturm has dedicated herself to teaching and mentoring, serving on the faculty of the Washington School of the Ballet and American University. She and her husband co-founded the Masterworks Festival, now one of the nation’s largest summer programs for classical music and dance. She currently serves as artistic director of the Asaph Dance Ensemble.
Sturm is also the author of several beloved children’s books, including Hannah Finds Her Voice, which was featured on the Today Show. Across her body of work, she continues to explore real-life challenges faced by children, offering stories that inspire growth, confidence, and emotional resilience.
With Beckett’s Monsters, Sturm delivers another meaningful addition to her collection—one that reassures readers of all ages that fear can be faced and conquered.
