Courage Out Loud

Out Loud Series

illustrations by
4.07
on Goodreads (61)

What’s inside...

From Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho comes a collection of 25 bold and brave poems for children in his third read-aloud poetry book. Designed to build kids’ courage, the collection includes mantras to help children be true to themselves, feel brave, project happiness, conjure a smile, make them laugh, and cheer others up. The poems, ranging from odes to personal mantras, instill confidence and help children realize the power of their voices. Illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett, the anthology complements school literature curriculums and encourages children to explore the magic of language, fostering a love of verse. It's a versatile book with a mix of long and short poems, suitable for every situation and perfectly designed to empower young readers.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

5-8

Length

40 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think courage means after reading this story?
Can you share a time when you felt brave like the characters in the book?
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges?
What are some ways you can show courage in your daily life?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they think courage means. Compare their answer after reading the story.
Relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations that your child might encounter, discussing how they might handle them courageously.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story’s events, fostering empathy and understanding.
Praise your child's insights during the conversation, reinforcing their analytical and critical thinking skills.
After finishing the book, create a 'Courage Journal' where your child can note down everyday acts of bravery, linking literature to personal growth.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage to Express Emotions
Explanation: In 'Courage Out Loud', characters demonstrate bravery by openly expressing their feelings, which is essential for emotional development.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it is okay to express sadness, joy, or fear, promoting emotional intelligence and communication skills in real world scenarios.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases characters working together to overcome challenges, underlining the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to collaborate with others, enhancing their ability to work in teams at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book face obstacles but continue to strive forward, teaching the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to not give up easily in difficult situations, be it in learning new skills or facing personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between characters, the book illustrates the importance of being empathetic towards others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate and understand perspectives different from their own, fostering better relationships.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individuality
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes that every character is unique and that individual differences should be celebrated, not criticized.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their own uniqueness and appreciate diversity in others, promoting inclusivity and self-confidence.

Courage Out Loud by Joseph Coelho