How to Be Brave

HOW TO BE BRAVE gives great advice on navigating a world that can feel overwhelming and scary. Every page contains text that could be incorporated into positive self-talk to mitigate negative situations and help someone stay grounded and calm.
The illustrations have joyful animal friends that the child speaker is interacting with. In one respect I think it would have been more impactful if the illustrations featured everyday situations that the text’s uplifting words could apply to. However, by making it be animals and a bit of fantasy it does open the message up to be more universal.
I can see this book going well with school counseling lessons or therapy to promote positive self-talk or for parents to read with young children to start a positive inner dialogue during their foundational years. Overall, this book contains a positive message of things to remember as we navigate a world that is often harsh.

As a little boy goes through his day, he tries to see the positives and understands it's okay to take a step back every now and then if it's needed. He also finds support in his friends and knows it's okay to ask for help when you need it too. Life isn't the easiest which is why bravery is important and changes on a day by day basis.

HOW TO BE BRAVE is a story about being courageous when things seem tough and to find help in friendship. While the illustrations are beautiful, they didn't really match the text. It left me wondering if the jaguar was his friend along with the other animals. I love the message of "being yourself" because it shows that bravery is doing the best that you can given the situation.


Final Verdict: HOW TO BE BRAVE is prefect for children aged four and older who love animals and who need a little encouragement. The advice in this book relates to just about everyone too.