Inside: If you are looking for children’s books about courage to get your kiddos through some challenging times, you have come to the right place! Check out this awesome list of books that will help your kids learn to be brave.
Children’s Books About Courage Help Kids Learn to Be Brave!
My kids are scared of dogs. I’m not talking the typical, cling-to-mom’s-leg kind of scared if they encounter a German Shepherd on an empty street. I wish it was that simple or easy to understand! But no- that would be much too logical. Case in point: when we go to my sister’s house and my boys see their cousins’ precious golden retriever puppy, all hell breaks loose. If Lulu so much as tilts her head in their direction, they run down the hall screaming, find their way out the front door and try desperately to break into my car. In short- it’s become a bit of a problem. (And, lest you ask- no! There are no bad experiences with animals. They’ve never been chased, bitten or attacked – it’s just a struggle we have had since birth).
Why read children’s books about courage??
Little kids have big fears, and getting them to muster up courage in the face of something that inspires sheer terror is not just hard, it can be a monumental challenge.
Kids aren’t as rational as we are- understandably so, because their brains are in a constant state of development. They have a hard time stepping aside from the things that scare them, looking at those fears head on, and rationally understanding the root cause of what it is that makes them so frightened. And getting them to talk about what is going on inside their little heads?
Forget it. It’s an awfully difficult task.
Enter books.
Use children’s books about courage to showcase that fears are universal, and children are not alone.
It is nothing short of amazing to witness how even the simplest of stories can help children recognize that they do not sit alone with their fears- that other kids grapple with the same exact frightening emotions. Not only is it beneficial when children can see themselves reflected in the stories they read, but these same stories are tremendously helpful tools to parents and teachers. How? They give us an “in” — a simple, safe way to ease into a daunting conversation.
They help us explain to our kids that fears are universal; but just as we fear, we can also overcome if we harness the courage within ourselves.
So whether it’s fear of dogs, or fear of the dark, fear of change or fear of heights, here are eleven of our must-have children’s books about courage. We hope they help you as much as they have helped us!
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Our Must Have Children’s Books About Courage!
After the Fall, by Dan Santat: How do you get back up when you have been knocked down really, really hard? The fear can be crippling. But if you can muster up the courage to try again, the reward can be liberating. This book is nothing short of exquisite, one I actually keep in my own bedroom and reread often because it is just so incredibly powerful. See our full review HERE.
What Do You Do with a Chance, by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom: How many of us fear taking chances? Yes, I’m raising my hand and I know many of you are too. It’s much easier to feel safe, sit back and let life pass you by so you don’t risk failure. But what happens if we don’t take said chances? If you are anything like me, you’ve heard the phrase “no risk, no reward” your entire life. Use this book to help your little ones realize that taking chances may certainly be frightening, but the benefits can be nothing short of incredible – even life changing. See our full review HERE.
Hannah and Sugar, by Kate Berube: A young girl with a fear of dogs. Is it obvious why this is such a winner in our house? Sometimes, just closing our eyes, taking a deep breath, and reaching out a hand are all we need to take the first step towards overcoming a terrifying feeling. And this book displays that so, so beautifully. Hannah and Sugar has a permanent spot on my big one’s nightstand, and we reread it constantly (and by constantly I mean at least once a week!) See our full review HERE.
Not Quite Snow White, by Ashley Franklin and illustrated by Ebony Glenn: What do you do when you love the theater, and an audition for Snow White is coming up? Tameika dives in head first, of course. She can’t wait to finally play a princess! But then Tameika starts hearing snickers from the other kids. Tameika is too chubby, too tall, and too brown to play Snow White. Will Tameika let these nay-sayers turn her away from playing a part she so desperately wants? We love the way this story showcases a young girl finding her courage in the midst of a major confidence shake-up!
Brave Molly, by Brooke Boynton-Hughes: Molly sees monsters. They are all around her, and no one can see them but her. She tries to run from them, but they seem to get in her way as she walks down the street and thinks about making new friends. One day, Molly decides she has had enough of these monsters, and she finally faces her fears. This wordless beauty showcases the courage we need to put our monsters in their places, and the power of friendship to help us feel brave.
When You Are Brave, by Pat Zeitlow Miller and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler: During challenging times that make us feel small, it’s not always easy to find our courage. But this beautiful book shows how a young girl, leaving one home with her family and moving to another, finds her inner spark and lets it shine brightly as she embarks on a new adventure. Beautiful rhyme, beautiful illustrations and a beautiful story capture one child’s courage in the midst of a daunting time. We love how she is able to embrace her inner light to help her feel brave as she moves to a new home.
Brave Irene, by William Steig: Steig’s sweet story from the 1980s is such a wonderful testament to the power of perseverance and the things we do for love. When Irene’s mother, a dressmaker, falls ill, she is unable to deliver a dress she made for the duchess before an important ball. So Irene takes it upon herself to deliver this dress, but she must battle the bitter cold, tons of snow and howling winds to get there. She almost gives up- almost. But Irene braves the elements and her perseverance is rewarded greatly. An oldie but goodie – this children’s book about courage and perseverance has become a classic, without a doubt!
Truman, by Jean Reidy and illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins: Truman the tiny tortoise lives with his best friend Sarah. One day, Sarah straps on her backpack, leaves their home, and boards the number eleven bus for school! Truman is distraught, and after waiting forever for her to return, he eventually can wait no longer. Truman thus sets off on a journey to find her, even though that journey may be downright impossible. We simply adore this darling book that beautifully conveys how the devotion we have for those we love most can help us embark on courageous feats we never knew we were brave enough to undertake.
Little Tree, by Loren Long: This is a forever favorite – a story that, in my opinion, will become a classic. Little Tree focuses on a young tree who clings tightly to his leaves, too scared to shed them and transition into the new season. It doesn’t matter that all the trees around him are happy to change with each passing season. Little Tree thinks life is perfect and sees no reason to change his ways. But one fateful day, Little Tree realizes he has been left behind by all the trees who have grown up around him, and he knows a critical decision is on the horizon. How will he respond? This is a masterpiece – a perfect tale to help children recognize that fear of change is natural and daunting, but the reward is ultimately in the journey that helps us find our way.
Jabari Jumps, by Gaia Cornwall: Jabari is quite excited to jump off the diving board at the city pool – if, of course, he can first conquer his fear of heights. This book is so true to life and, in short, exudes compassion and tenderness in the best way possible. It is a touching story of how a boy’s trust in his father, coupled with his father’s gentle encouragement, help one small child jump off one big board. For our full review of Jabari Jumps, click here!
Shy, by Deborah Freedman: Shy remains unseen in the gutter of the book, too nervous to confront his fear of having to interact with others. Shy loves birds, though, but has only ever read about them. One day, Shy hears and sees a beautiful bird flying near him, but he is too nervous to leave his home. Will he eventually find the courage to leave? And if he does venture out of his home, will he show us his face or try to stay hidden among other animals he meets along the way? This gorgeous, gentle book experiments with form, art and prose in a manner so fresh and unique, it makes you feel as if you are discovering a book for the very first time. An all time fave! For our full review of Shy, click here!
Brave, by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vreithoff: I love this simple story that showcases how every child can be a superhero — and every child has what it takes to be brave. Sometimes, kids don’t realize just how brave they are in their daily lives, but this book highlights how they exhibit both big and small acts of courage each and every day.
The Empty Pot, by Demi: Telling the truth is not always easy. In fact, it can be downright scary — especially when you fear that telling the truth will result in grave consequences. But this beautiful story masterfully illuminates how telling the truth can be the most courageous action one can possibly take — and it can result in great, great rewards. This is such a gem and belongs in every home and library collection!
The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Ruth E. Harper: Leaving a parent is not easy for many kids. Separation anxiety, much?? Whether it’s going to school for the first time (or even the 100th time!) or simply being left with a babysitter, that separation can be tough with a capital T. This book has helped us through so many situations, and my boys always remember that wherever they go, I am always with them, even if not physically present. I can’t even recall how many times I have reminded them to make use of their kissing hands – its just become so ingrained in our routines. All the love for this one and its ability to speak so perfectly to children! See our full review HERE.
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, by Laurie Ann Thompson and illustrated by Sean Qualls: This stunner of a book blows my students’ minds every time I read it in our library. Born in Ghana, Emmanuel had a deformed leg and was dismissed by many, including his own father. But his compassionate mother told him he could do anything he wanted, including hopping on one leg to school two miles each day, playing soccer, and riding a bike. in 2001, Emmanuel rode his bike 400 miles across Africa, spreading the message to all who could hear and see that “disability is not inability.” Powerful and oh-so-inspiring, this book is a treasure.
Orion and the Dark, by Emma Yarlett: Oh, how we adore this book! It is darkness personified, a brilliant concept and so phenomenal for helping children overcome their fear of the dark. Yarlett so beautifully illustrates how the dark can wrap us up and squeeze us in the most perfect hug, and that the unknown and scary expanse of night isn’t so frightening once you explore it with a friend. I absolutely love how Yarlett explains away the scary noises one might hear when trying to fall asleep. It is a perfect text to help parents and teachers alike help children break down their concerns and explain how fears, in reality, aren’t nearly as scary as they seem once you begin to communicate them to a trusted person. See our full review HERE.
Brave as Can Be: A Book of Courage, by Jo Witek and illustrated by Christine Roussey: My family and I adore this series of books, and this one is another beauty that is so helpful for kids with various fears. Through sweet illustrations, die cut pages, and discreet but helpful tips — like having a bright nightlight and “superpowered” pajamas — this story empowers little ones to not just face their fears, but to overcome them as well.
Nightsong, by Ari Berk and illustrated by Loren Long: This is a beautiful story about a young bat venturing into the night for the very first time, and he is fearful of not being able to see in the dark. How will he find his way? And, more importantly, will he return safely back to his mother? This is such a tender read about using “good sense” and trusting both your instincts and intuition.
Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music, by Margarita Engle, illus. by Rafael Lopez: This is a beautiful story of a young girl living in Cuba, a cherished children’s book about resilience in our school library. It is the epitome of turning a “can’t” into a “you better believe I can”! Who says girls can’t play drums? We love the protagonist’s no holds barred attitude, and her determination to turn her dream into a reality. And aside from the fabulous narrative, the illustrations are simply breathtaking.
Happy reading!
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