When You Are Brave
What’s inside...
An inspiring picture book affirmation about having courage even in difficult times, because some days, when everything around you seems scary, you have to be brave. Saying goodbye to neighbors. Worrying about new friends. Passing through a big city. Seeing a dark road ahead. In these moments, a young girl feels small and quiet and alone. But when she breathes deeply and looks inside herself, a hidden spark of courage appears, one she can nurture and grow until she glows inside and out. New York Times bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller's uplifting words join New York Times bestselling illustrator Eliza Wheeler's luminous art to inspire young readers to embrace their inner light--no matter what they're facing--and to be brave.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does being brave mean to you?
Can you think of a time when you felt scared but chose to be brave?
How do you think the main character felt when they had to be brave?
What are some ways you can show bravery every day?
How does being brave help us in difficult situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story of a time you had to be brave, to help your child feel more comfortable sharing their own experiences.
Encourage your child to describe their feelings about bravery, acknowledging that being brave can feel different for everyone.
Link discussions to your child’s daily life, asking them to think of moments in their routine where they could apply bravery.
Reinforce positive outcomes from bravery discussed in the book, highlighting how bravery can lead to growth and new opportunities.
Use praise and affirmation to reinforce your child’s expressions of courage, enhancing their self-esteem and confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The protagonist faces a big move to a new home, showing children that transitions are a normal part of life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson when experiencing changes like starting a new school or welcoming a new family member, learning to approach such changes with bravery and positivity.
Example Lesson: Finding Inner Strength
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of finding one's inner light to overcome challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember this lesson during tough times, whether dealing with a difficult test or resolving conflicts, understanding that they have the strength within themselves to succeed.
Example Lesson: The Power of Positive Thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character uses positive affirmations to bolster courage.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's life by encouraging them to use positive affirmations to boost their confidence during competitions or performances.
Example Lesson: Support Systems
Explanation: The book shows that while the main character draws on personal bravery, support from others is also valuable.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and seek support from friends and family when facing fears or stepping outside of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Courage in Everyday Actions
Explanation: The book illustrates that bravery isn't just for dramatic gestures—it's also in the small, everyday acts of facing the world.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that actions like trying new foods, asking questions in class, or standing up for a friend are all brave acts worth celebrating.