Living Brave: How to Add More Confidence to Your Courage

by Kobi Yamada, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

Genres: Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 28, 2026

Reviews

[Marie Sinadjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

I requested this thinking it might be something my under 2 toddler might enjoy in the near future; turns out it's more inspirational self-help than a kid's picture book. Which is great, because who doesn't want their nuggets of wisdom with gorgeous illustrations? (I was thinking of my best friend the whole time and how I should buy her this book.)

I did sometimes get the feel of like, going through an inspirational carousel post on Instagram. Maybe because the font and font size make the book feel less like a picture book? I'd have preferred a larger, more whimsical font, personally. Otherwise this was really nice!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE these books. The illustrations are so incredibly beautiful and the little hedgehog who needs to bolster his confidence is the perfect addition. There is so much love in these illustrations, it's amazing.

If you ever need a small gift or just want to bring a smile to someone's face, these books are it.

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of 2026. Profound. I enjoyed every moment of this book and recommend it to everyone. Buy a hard copy and read it often. Whimsical, sweet illustrations. It’s appropriate for children as well as grown ups, even Seniors. So many nuggets of wisdom. Wonderful source of encouragement.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. Enjoy!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 28 July 2026 - publication day!

I thought that this was an excellent book to read! I really liked the messaging in the book, it is a lovely positive read. The illustrations in the book were wonderful and they really made the book come to life - it is all very well done. It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended

[Laurel Zeisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning illustrations. I enjoyed the book's message but would have preferred larger type. There was plenty of room on the pages for bigger print while not distracting from the artwork. Publishers should keep in mind how difficult it is to use a book as a read aloud at story time when the print is tiny.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hedgehogs are just cute and cool, and I thought this would be a funny book. But it's adorable and motivating, so I read it the first time, and then again because I needed to hear the lessons again. This is so sweet and inspiring, and it's simple enough for kids but smart enough for grownups too. This would make a fantastic gift book.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a story book but a collection of insights and wisdom that kids and adults will benefit. These words of advice are the usually stuff you can read from a generic book and not that mind blowing yet it touches the heart. Paired with those encouraging quotes is a minimalist and clean but great illustrations on every page.

[Haley Moku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for eARC!

Perfect book to gift! It works for all ages. We received Kobi Yamada’s “Finding Muchness” as a gift for our baby boy, so when I saw “Living Brave” I knew I wanted to pick this book up too. Tons of meaningful quotes and beautiful artwork!

[Moira]

Review to come the week of publishing date.

Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for a copy of this eARC.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kobi Yamada’s books are fantastic! Great message and beautiful illustrations. The perfect gift for any kid and new parents!

[Bethany the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Illustrations and sweet important lessons.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an arc.

[Heloísa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of life lessons, that both children and adults can learn from. They’re presented in a simple enough way, but they don’t lose impact — much to the contrary: it’s like the message is highlighted, since there aren’t many distractions.

The art is beautiful and complementary. The illustrations don’t need bright colours to attract the attention of the audience, following the path of comforting, soft lines. I quite liked how each new image gave depth to the text.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Living Brave is the most adorable, heartwarming and touching read for anyone and has the most adorable and detailed illustrations as well as meaningful messages that everyone needs reminding of from time to time.
This is such a simple but joyful read and would make such a unique and meaningful gift for a loved one too.