A Brentwood resident's dream of becoming a published author has come true.

Beth Arnstein, author of the children's book "I'm Not Afraid of Anything," her first published book, will kick off the Brentwood Public Library's summer program, "Dream Big: Read!" by reading the book and two others on June 6 for family story time at 6:30 p.m.

"I'm really excited about it," Arnstein said. "It's not a traditional story time."

"I'm Not Afraid of Anything," which is about a bather who questions what happens when water goes down the bathtub drain, made it to the final round of the MeeGenius! Ebooks for kids Author Challenge 2011 competition.

Arnstein, author of more than 50 unpublished children's books, submitted "I'm Not Afraid of Anything" and another book to the contest in November.

Four books advanced to the second round by gaining popularity votes, while Arnstein's book, along with nine others, advanced to the second round as MeeGenius! staff favorites.

Those 14 book finalists were professionally edited, illustrated and produced for the final round of voting, which was in January and February.

The grand prizewinner and three runners-up in the contest had his or her books published, in addition to other prizes, Arnstein said. "I'm Not Afraid of Anything" finished sixth in the contest.

But editors with MeeGenius! enjoyed "I'm Not Afraid of Anything" so much that they decided to publish it anyway, she said. The book has been on the best-seller page of MeeGenius! since it was released in March.

"I think that's a good sign," Arnstein said. "It's pretty neat ... once you get to a certain destination, it pushes you to work to the next step."

Arnstein's goal was to be published before her son, Luke, 18 months, could read, she said.

The family story time is free and open to the public. Arnstein will read three of her books.

"I'm Not Afraid of Anything," Arnstein said, is inspired by her childhood fear of the family's vacuum.

Arnstein also will read "My Cat," a story she wrote about a boy introducing his friend to his mischievous cat, which was a runner up in the MeeGenius! contest last year.

The final book is "Blowing Kisses," a story Arnstein wrote with her mother when she was a child.

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