Brave

by Stacy McAnulty, Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Illustrator)

An empowering picture book for all kids that demonstrates to children that they can be real-life superheroes and that all kids have what it takes to be brave. Superheroes seek adventure, never give up, and stay calm when others are
afraid. Superheroes are brave. But they aren't the only ones.

Kids are brave every day. When they are told they are too little, but accomplish something big. When they check for monsters under the bed, just in case. When they face something uncertain, whether a thunderstorm or a hospital visit. When they stand up for what's right, even when it means facing consequences.

Like superheroes, brave kids can save the world, just by being brave.

Thoughtful text from Stacy McAnulty paired with vibrant illustrations from Joanne Lew-Vriethoff encourage kids to be brave in all the ways they can: trying new things, speaking their mind, confronting bullies, and more. This book will inspire kids to follow their hearts and to have courage, no matter the situation.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Superheroes, Juvenile, Inspirational

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2017

About the author

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a paleontologist (NOT REALLY), a correspondent for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She is the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Recipient for Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Her other picture books include Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, illustrated by David Litchfield; Brave and Beautiful, both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff; Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath, illustrated by Joy Ang. She’s also authored the chapter book series Goldie Blox, based on the award-winning toys, and The Dino Files. Her debut middle grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, will publish in 2018. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 1 husband.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brave kid seeks adventure, leads the team, never gives up, speaks up for the truth, and stands up for justice. So says the narrator of this affirmational picture-book, which pairs a simple text, one in which the qualities and actions of a brave child are listed, with bright, colorful artwork depicting a diverse range of children demonstrating their courage...

Although sometimes rather leery of these "positive message" picture-books - what can I say? sometimes they just feel too pointed and overdone - I enjoyed Brave. Author Stacy McAnulty keeps her text simple and non-sentimental, leaving it to illustrator Joanne Lew-Vriethoff to expand on the emotional significance of each statement. Recommended to young children who struggle a bit, working up their courage, or who need a reminder that bravery comes in many shapes and sizes.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Brave, written by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, the second book of the pair’s trio of affirming kidlit.

Being brave is many things: having a courageous heart, leading the way, fighting the toughest battles. Brave kids have super-strength, they stand for justice, and they can save the world. But while these terms may sound lofty, they can be found in everyday actions, and in the challenges everyday kids overcome. Being brave doesn’t need to be big or loud – it can simply be when we take the time to steel ourselves and do the right thing.

Lovely. Fans of McAnulty’s and Lew-Vriethoff’s series – which also includes Beautiful and Love – will be familiar with the book’s formula: while the language is grandiose, the actions and situations depicted in the illustrations are simple, everyday acts of courage. “Super-strength” becomes a little girl facing off against a chess master in front of a rapt audience; “fighting the toughest battles” shows a young friend supporting another as they undergo cancer treatment; “stand for justice” features a boy with a crutch standing up for a bullied classmate, and so on. The art is also an opportunity to feature a welcome diversity of characters in a rainbow of skintones, builds, religious garb, and ability, showing that heroes come in every shape and size. It’s a great message for little ones, and told in a way that both reassures and encourages. The length is great, and JJ enjoyed the art immensely. An empowering book in a wonderful series, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

[Varvara V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about courage and being brave. It shows different examples of what being brave is like by cleaning the parks, helping friends out, etc. I recommend this book because it shows good moral values and encourages readers to be brave and a good person. Students would be interested by the captive title and cover. A teacher could use this during a lesson to maybe imitate and play out different roles of being brave. It is very inclusive with its illustrations by including different races and disabilities.

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the LIVE LOVE LAUGH of picture books: full of inspirational words, but lacking any actual inspiration. We see kids being brave just by being little, honest, and standing up for others. This montage ends with the stirring adage:

Brave kids can save the world just by being brave.

I expect great things from McAnulty now, and this did not meet my expectations. I am cold and I have no heart, this kind of book is not my thing. Maybe kids will like it, and feel emboldened by its in-your-face message. It's not awful ... The art is bright and colorful. The representation is intentionally diverse.

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and colorful story showing all the different ways of being brave. I adore the fact that the term isn't defined just by typically heroic acts of muscle and daring, but also never giving up, standing back up, fighting for justice and fighting illness. Very simple text with detailed illustrations depicting a diverse cast of unnamed child characters.

Thanks to Running Press for the review copy of this title - all opinions are my own.

Highly recommended for purchase for school libraries and for all the brave kiddos in your life.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An empowering book on how all kids can be brave in so many ways. A wonderful reminder for people of all ages.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An empowering picture book for all kids that demonstrates to children that they can be real-life superheroes and that all kids have what it takes to be brave. Superheroes seek adventure, never give up, and stay calm when others are
afraid. Superheroes are brave. But they aren't the only ones.

Kids are brave every day. When they are told they are too little, but accomplish something big. When they check for monsters under the bed, just in case. When they face something uncertain, whether a thunderstorm or a hospital visit. When they stand up for what's right, even when it means facing consequences.

Like superheroes, brave kids can save the world, just by being brave.

Thoughtful text from Stacy McAnulty paired with vibrant illustrations from Joanne Lew-Vriethoff encourage kids to be brave in all the ways they can: trying new things, speaking their mind, confronting bullies, and more. This book will inspire kids to follow their hearts and to have courage, no matter the situation.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, but I don't find this an "empowering" book. Not in the least.

It's a collection of superlatives and "always" statements and impossible ideals. Let me illustrate that big statement with a small set of questions. Just three questions.

* Maybe, in response, you'll think, "No prob."
* Or maybe you'll think, "Ick. No wonder Rose rated this book with ONE STAR."

THREE QUESTIONS, THEN

1. Back cover of the book reads "Being brave isn't just for superheroes."
But the brave kid pictured there is wearing a superhero cape.
WHY?

2. "A brave kid has super strength."
Really?

3. In that picture the "brave kid with super strength" is moving a chess piece on a chessboard.
How much strength does that little move take?
Also, what does playing chess have to do with extreme bravery?

No doubt the author here meant well, but picture book readers are impressionable. Teaching them something vague and unattainable, through encouraging words, can mess them up. Not help them.

Just my opinion.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple sentences are paired with rich illustrations, show children different examples of bravery from everyday life. The illustrations are not explained with text, but are self explanatory, allowing children to tell their own stories about them and relate to the people in each picture. I really like how there are different children represented, children of different colors, different ages, abilities, sexes and in a variety of situations (checking under the bed for monsters, admitting to a wrong, standing up to a pulling, picking up trash, ect) . If you look close you see where one child was the feature character on one page, they might be a back ground character on a different page-showing how you can see bravery in yourself, and in others. The illustrations fill the pages, and focus on the characters, making this a wonderful book for story times.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful picture book featuring children of various ethnic backgrounds and physical abilities, Brave shows that every child can be brave. They might check under a sibling's bed for monsters or help a neighbor's cat down from a tree. They might lead a hike or push themselves to finish a race. They might even stand up for someone who is being mistreated. Whatever way they show their courage, "Brave kids can save the world. Just by being...brave."

Whether paired with the book Beautiful by the same creators (McAnulty/Lew-Vriethoff), or on its own, Brave gives every child a chance to identify with the characters in some way and see themselves as courageous. The fact that each scene is a routine occurrence, like apologizing for breaking a window during a ball game or facing down a lunchroom bully, adds to the power of the statement. Everyday heroes may not always be recognized for their bravery, but they should be appreciated and celebrated. And readers of all ages can use a reminder to embrace their inner bravery.

Highly recommended for elementary grades, but great for readers of any age.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about some of the seemingly simple actions which demonstrate bravery.

This book has great racial diversity, interracial friendships, inter-generational interactions, kids with glasses, a brave boy with a leg-brace and cane standing up to a bully for someone else, and a boy in a wheelchair (who may be an amputee or someone born without legs) racing against people with legs.

Other books in this "series" which have similar diversity to that above are the books Love and Beautiful, the latter of which not only has great diversity but also, by its pictures, stands a lot of stereotypical sayings pertaining to "beautiful girls" on their head.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message is great, and I love all of the different examples of bravery both in the words and in the illustrations. I do have a problem with some of the sentence structure though. I don't think a single sentence starting with "and" is actually a proper sentence. Yes, sentences can start with "and," but they still need to be complete sentences. A delightful, diverse book (well done, illustrator) that could have used a better editor.

[JoEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author! Excellent Ed is a favorite must have for mindset, and Beautiful is gorgeous picture book with a message about empowering girls.
Brave is a companion book to Beautiful following the same text structure of repetitive text and pictures that demonstrate what being brave looks like. Another powerful picture book that can empower all readers. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up for the cover, and am glad I did. The sweet, gentle message that bravery isn't limited to charging full throttle into battle, or overcoming all fears. Instead, this delightful picture book reminds us all the courage and bravery take many forms and are found in many different kinds of people.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book about being brave. The book has so many different ways of being brave, and I enjoyed that they weren’t the usual ways. I can see a child reading this and feeling brave themselves and that is always a great thing to feel. Sometimes even as an adult I don’t feel brave but this book was a great find for those days.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed ideas for picture books and pulled some from the Picture Book long list. This was picked for family bedtime story. Great way to teach the different kids of brave. Punctuation was awful for reading aloud. Really threw me off--and Hubby was the one who was reading it! It ended up unintentionally be a great lead in to the next day when I taught them the song Dare to Do Right.

[Ta'Neisha Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that features a glimpse into the lives of everyday heroes. I loved how the illustrations highlighted children of all cultures and included handicapped (or handicapable) kids. I admired the simple text because it clearly conveyed how being yourself and helping others is a SUPERPOWER. We recommend this book for children ages 5 and up.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're huge fans of the author, Stacy McAnulty, and this book is a lot like her book "Beautiful" -except that it shows a variety of situations where kids can be "brave." It's so touching and true. The art shows a diverse set of characters.

Kids loved it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. The words and pictures really work together to create something wonderful. This would be a great bedtime read. It seems quite simple at first with just a few words or a short sentence on each page but when combined with the illustrations you will find a lot to talk about.

[DeLeon Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

All children can and should be brave! In this skillful combination of empowering assertions and lively images, McAnulty and Lew-Vriethoff remind the young readers that they too can be superheroes every day!

[Christine Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to have superpowers to be a hero. You can "save the world, just by being brave." Author Stacy McAnulty shows readers how they can change their worlds by being brave in the face of adversity. They can try new things, confront bullies and stand up for what they think is right.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple text with very descriptive illustrations. Almost too sweet and inclusive. Diverse kids being brave in lots of different and sometimes unexpected ways. Good for starting conversations about what it means to be brave.

[FM Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like these books could be a bit confusing for some, in how the text doesn't really match the picture at first glance, like "a brave kid needs super strength" under an image of a kid playing chess. But my two and a half year old didn't seem thrown off by it. She really enjoyed the book, I think because she has a kid in her class who can be a bit mean, and so she's trying to learn about how to be brave and what that looks like. I found it a little hokier than my ideal, but does a great job of showing small and large acts of bravery. Most useful I think as something to open up conversation about things kids are experiencing in their daily lives, so be prepared, there are image that imply bullying, sick kids, and other topic you'll want to be prepared to talk about.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that shows what we idealize in a new and interesting way. The text by itself seems to describe bravery in normal terms. The illustrations are where what was meant by the text is actually revealed, and the refresh on the term brave is an encouraging shift.

[Aolund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different kids are shown being brave, with simple accompanying text. An empowering book depicting a diverse community of kids, though I do prefer a bit more story personally.

Themes: Bravery, Use Your Voice
Age range: Toddler and Preschool

[Jason June · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so needed right now! It beautifully details how children can be brave in their day-to-day lives and shows that the world really can be full of superheroes, no matter how small.

[Laine · Rating 4 out of 5]

heaps of great advice! this book does a great job of illustrating the many ways you can be brave.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold illustrations and a simple story about what being brave means!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. You may need tissues.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to buy this book for my friends four year old! So adorable, engaging, and with a wonderful message about the many ways kids can be brave. Also love the lively illustrations!