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Building Courage
“A fun tale that showcases the benefits of following one’s heart...” -Readers’ Favorite
Jacob loves camping by the lake, BUT he won’t swim! Not with that pesky snapping turtle eyeing him... until he and his dad build a cabin in the woods. With each step of construction, Jacob discovers that EVERY problem has a solution, even when it comes to turtles.
Experience the joy of summer in this picture book adventure that celebrates a love of family, nature, self-reliance and COURAGE! Paperback available in February 2024
Jacob loves camping by the lake, BUT he won’t swim! Not with that pesky snapping turtle eyeing him... until he and his dad build a cabin in the woods. With each step of construction, Jacob discovers that EVERY problem has a solution, even when it comes to turtles.
Experience the joy of summer in this picture book adventure that celebrates a love of family, nature, self-reliance and COURAGE! Paperback available in February 2024
Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2024
About the author
George Neeb
11 books13 followersGeorge Neeb lives in Brantford, Ontario. He has taught elementary school for many years. He can usually be found walking along the Grand River, traveling to new places to learn about history and art, and spending time at his cabin by a lake with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 9, 2025
Timber and tenacity: A boy’s reckoning with the wild
George Neeb’s Building Courage is an engaging and heartfelt exploration of personal growth, problem-solving, and the enduring bond between father and son. The narrative follows Jacob, a young boy who enjoys camping but harbours an uneasiness toward swimming due to a resident snapping turtle in the lake. However, through the experience of constructing a family cabin with his father, he learns that obstacles—whether in nature or within oneself—can be addressed with patience, resilience, and resourcefulness. Neeb’s story weaves themes of familial connection, self-reliance, and the joys of outdoor life into a tale that encourages young readers to embrace bravery in the face of uncertainty.
One of the book’s defining features is its inventive visual presentation, which combines mixed-media illustrations, handcrafted models, and real-life photographs, lending a distinctive, immersive quality to the storytelling. By grounding the story in real experiences, Building Courage becomes more than a simple children’s book—it serves as an inspiring testament to the rewards of perseverance and adaptability from a very early age to advanced stages of life. With its uplifting message and unique visual execution, the book offers an engaging reading experience that celebrates both adventure and the power of problem-solving within a supportive family environment. A great read for children of all ages and their families!
George Neeb’s Building Courage is an engaging and heartfelt exploration of personal growth, problem-solving, and the enduring bond between father and son. The narrative follows Jacob, a young boy who enjoys camping but harbours an uneasiness toward swimming due to a resident snapping turtle in the lake. However, through the experience of constructing a family cabin with his father, he learns that obstacles—whether in nature or within oneself—can be addressed with patience, resilience, and resourcefulness. Neeb’s story weaves themes of familial connection, self-reliance, and the joys of outdoor life into a tale that encourages young readers to embrace bravery in the face of uncertainty.
One of the book’s defining features is its inventive visual presentation, which combines mixed-media illustrations, handcrafted models, and real-life photographs, lending a distinctive, immersive quality to the storytelling. By grounding the story in real experiences, Building Courage becomes more than a simple children’s book—it serves as an inspiring testament to the rewards of perseverance and adaptability from a very early age to advanced stages of life. With its uplifting message and unique visual execution, the book offers an engaging reading experience that celebrates both adventure and the power of problem-solving within a supportive family environment. A great read for children of all ages and their families!
March 12, 2025
A heartwarming tale
It is a charming and uplifting picture book that captures the essence of childhood fears, the power of problem solving, and the quiet strength that comes from perseverance. At its core, this is a story about facing what scares us, whether it’s a snapping turtle in the water or the challenges of building something new.
What makes this book special is how naturally it weaves life lessons into an engaging adventure. Jacob’s journey isn’t just about overcoming fear, it’s about learning that every obstacle has a solution if you take things step by step. His relationship with his dad adds a layer of warmth, showing how encouragement and hands on experiences can help kids develop confidence.
The writing is simple yet effective, making it a perfect read aloud, while the pacing keeps young readers engaged. The setting, a lakeside summer filled with exploration, brings a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for nature. It’s a book that not only tells a great story but also sparks curiosity about the outdoors and problem solving in everyday life.
It is a charming and uplifting picture book that captures the essence of childhood fears, the power of problem solving, and the quiet strength that comes from perseverance. At its core, this is a story about facing what scares us, whether it’s a snapping turtle in the water or the challenges of building something new.
What makes this book special is how naturally it weaves life lessons into an engaging adventure. Jacob’s journey isn’t just about overcoming fear, it’s about learning that every obstacle has a solution if you take things step by step. His relationship with his dad adds a layer of warmth, showing how encouragement and hands on experiences can help kids develop confidence.
The writing is simple yet effective, making it a perfect read aloud, while the pacing keeps young readers engaged. The setting, a lakeside summer filled with exploration, brings a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for nature. It’s a book that not only tells a great story but also sparks curiosity about the outdoors and problem solving in everyday life.
March 4, 2025
This is a very sweet story about a boy, his dad, and courage. At the end, the author states that it’s based on his real life experiences with his sons.
The only issue I had with it was the first page was a bit hard to read due to the illustrations and photographs in it. Otherwise I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend it for parents to share with their children. I’d definitely read more from this author.
The only issue I had with it was the first page was a bit hard to read due to the illustrations and photographs in it. Otherwise I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend it for parents to share with their children. I’d definitely read more from this author.
March 6, 2025
A cute family story about a boy and his dad building a cabin. The boy gains the courage to swim in the lake. I like the bright artwork.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews