BRAVE: A children’s book about overcoming nighttime fears, worries, or anxieties
What’s inside...
An empowering tale about overcoming fears and discovering your own superhero power, BRAVE emphasizes the importance of channeling inner strength to navigate scary situations. Each of us has a special power within that helps us conquer our fears. The book reassures us that there is nothing to be afraid of at bedtime, with support from loved ones and the knowledge that God is always there. The rhyming verses and bold illustrations add layers of power and bravery. The book illustrates that bedtime can be a warm, safe place filled with love and protection, and reminds readers that they are brave, strong, safe, and loved.
Discussion points
What fears or worries does the main character face, and how do they overcome them?
Can you relate to any feelings the main character has at night? What are they?
How do you think the main character felt after overcoming their fears?
What would you do if you were in the main character's situation?
What is one brave thing you've done that made you proud of yourself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle and calm voice to create a safe space for your child to open up about their own fears or worries.
Relate personal stories where you faced and overcame fears, which can help your child see that everyone experiences and can conquer fears.
Praise your child for any efforts they make during the discussion to express themselves or relate to the book's themes, reinforcing their bravery in sharing.
Encourage your child to draw or write about a time when they were brave, linking their personal experiences with the story.
Revisit the book's themes after the conversation to reinforce the message and check on your child’s progress in managing fears.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The protagonist of 'BRAVE' faces and overcomes nighttime fears through various strategies and support from friends and family.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their own fears by using coping mechanisms modeled in the book, like deep breathing and thinking positive thoughts.
Example Lesson: Support systems are valuable
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist relies on support from friends and family to navigate their anxieties.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to seek help and communicate their feelings with trusted adults or peers when they are feeling scared.
Example Lesson: Emotional resilience
Explanation: The protagonist learns to confront and handle difficult emotions rather than avoid them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that it's okay to face tough emotions and that resilience can be developed over time through practice and support.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: As the protagonist shares their fears, others begin to understand and offer help, deepening mutual empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to listen to and support others who might be experiencing their own fears, fostering empathy and understanding.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The story showcases how the protagonist uses imagination as a tool to overcome fears by picturing positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination as a powerful resource in problem-solving and coping with difficult situations.