New Book Holds a Crucial Discussion About Gun Safety for Kids
Charlotte, NC, USA – April 29, 2026 – With more than half of households in the United States owning firearms, avoiding the topic does not make children safer. Education does. David Hayes Cox’s new book, This is a Gun, is a calm, age-appropriate introduction to firearm safety for young children and the adults who care for them. David is a certified firearms instructor and a dad, and his goal is to help families talk openly and clearly about what a gun is, why it can be dangerous, and what children should do if they ever encounter one.
This Is a Gun is an excellent, age-appropriate resource for parents and caregivers who want to teach children about gun safety in a calm, clear, and responsible way.
Chris Cordani, Media Fellow, Project Sentinel; Host, Book Spectrum; Producer: Sentinel Circle with Tony Shaffer
Using simple language and gentle illustrations, the book reinforces a small number of clear safety rules that children can remember and parents can build on. It is designed to be read together, creating a shared starting point for conversations that many families know are important but are not always sure how to begin. Illustrated by Joe Ruiz, This is a Gun also includes an index of common household guns with realistic sizing, an excellent resource for teaching kids about models they could encounter.
Masterfully written and illustrated, this book is a must read for all families with children—the pinnacle for addressing and assuring gun safety!
Grady Harp, Amazon Top 100 Hall of Fame Reviewer, 5-Stars
In addition to practical advice and gun identification, David hammers home three key points: “What do you do if you see a gun? 1. Do not touch the gun. 2. Run away from it. 3. Tell an adult about the gun.” These are easy for young children to remember and act accordingly. Also included is a “gun safety promise,” a mock contract giving kids the chance to actively say that they will practice responsibility and safety if they find a gun. The focus is not fear or judgment, but understanding, communication, and prevention.
Empowering families with knowledge and responsible guidance is one of the most effective ways to prevent tragedy. This book offers a constructive approach to educating children about safety in a calm and age-appropriate way.
Scott Reitz & Brett McQueen, Co-authors of The Art of Modern Gunfighting, Co-founders of International Tactical Training Seminars
Guns are a fact of American life, and that makes gun safety a parental responsibility, not a political position. An adult is responsible any time a child gains access to an unsecured firearm, and This Is a Gun gives parents a simple, honest tool for meeting that responsibility before curiosity becomes tragedy. Every parent owes their child this conversation, whether or not they own a gun.
David Yamane, Professor of Sociology, Wake Forest University, author of Gun Curious
June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, so now is the perfect time for crucial firearms education, whether it’s taught in schools, daycare, or just amongst your family. This is a Gun avoids political or biased debates, instead focusing objectively on personal safety, respecting boundaries, and reducing the risk of accidental injury. This book is ideal for children ages 4-10 and grades K-5, parents, caregivers, and educators who want a practical, thoughtful approach to early safety education.
Further information can be found at https://thisisagun.org.
This is a Gun, ISBN 979-8994702215, $17.95 Paperback, $24.95 Hardcover, $1.99 eBook, 34 pages, Common Ground Press, 2026. Available on Amazon.
About David Hayes Cox
David is a father, lifelong firearms enthusiast, and passionate advocate for children’s safety. Having trained with firearms for well over 20 years, he is well-versed in their proper handling and brings a personal sense of responsibility to his writing. David is also a certified firearms safety instructor and range safety officer. As a parent, he understands the deep need to protect and educate, and his work reflects a commitment to bridging those worlds. His children’s book, This Is a Gun, was born from conversations with his own kids: honest, direct, and grounded in love. Off the page, he spends his time outdoors, teaching his children respect for tools and for life, and working to ensure that safety doesn’t come at the cost of curiosity. His mission is simple: to help families talk about hard things with clarity, care, and courage. A proud family man, David’s heritage predates the American Revolution. His family has been farming in America for over 400 years, and David helps manage his family’s farms in Texas. David holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Media Contact: For a review copy of This is a Gun or to arrange an interview with David Hayes Cox, contact Scott Lorenz of Westwind Book Marketing at [email protected] or by phone at 248-705-2214. Reach Lorenz on Twitter @abookpublicist.
Media Contact
Company Name: Westwind Communications Book Marketing
Contact Person: Scott Lorenz
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Phone: 248-705-2214
Country: United States
Website: https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com
