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A Little Bit of Courage
The Ploofers are back for a second adventure in A Little Bit of Courage.
The Ploofers have just learnt a valuable lesson in celebrating differences and trying new things. They've been practicing something very special again and this time it requires extra teamwork... But our little guy is too scared to go on this new adventure. Will some kind and encouraging words from Toastie help him find a little bit of courage?
With simple yet striking illustrations, A Little Bit of Courage is a wonderful follow up to A Little Bit Different. With a subtle yet powerful message on overcoming anxiety and finding the courage to live life to its fullest, this book will resonate with children and adults alike.
The Ploofers have just learnt a valuable lesson in celebrating differences and trying new things. They've been practicing something very special again and this time it requires extra teamwork... But our little guy is too scared to go on this new adventure. Will some kind and encouraging words from Toastie help him find a little bit of courage?
With simple yet striking illustrations, A Little Bit of Courage is a wonderful follow up to A Little Bit Different. With a subtle yet powerful message on overcoming anxiety and finding the courage to live life to its fullest, this book will resonate with children and adults alike.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2021
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Claire Alexander
27 books256 followersClaire was born in Bath, Wiltshire and moved to Kent when she was six. she has always loved drawing from an early age and remembers being asked by her school mates to draw rabbits for them! After school she studied Fine Art at the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Canterbury where she achieved a BA degree in Painting. She moved to London in 1995 and stumbled through many different jobs until she studied children's illustration at Putney School of Art. Here Claire produced her first dummy book for Small Florence, which was then published and started her dream career as an author illustrator.
In 2007 Claire wrote her own course on writing and illustrating picture books which she has been teaching ever since, and now at the House of Illustration. She regularly visits schools and enjoys drawing for children.
Claire's new title 'The Best Bit of Daddy's Day' will be published in June 2016.
'Monkey and the Little One' was shortlisted for the 2015 Junior Design Awards and listed as one of the top ten best new picture books during Independent Book Sellers Week 2015.
'Back to Front and Upside Down' won the 2013 Schneider Family Book Award from the American Libraries Associataion. The award honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
'Lucy and the Bully' won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Young People and 'Small Florence' was short listed for the 2010 Mad About Books Stockport Schools' Book Award.
In 2007 Claire wrote her own course on writing and illustrating picture books which she has been teaching ever since, and now at the House of Illustration. She regularly visits schools and enjoys drawing for children.
Claire's new title 'The Best Bit of Daddy's Day' will be published in June 2016.
'Monkey and the Little One' was shortlisted for the 2015 Junior Design Awards and listed as one of the top ten best new picture books during Independent Book Sellers Week 2015.
'Back to Front and Upside Down' won the 2013 Schneider Family Book Award from the American Libraries Associataion. The award honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
'Lucy and the Bully' won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Young People and 'Small Florence' was short listed for the 2010 Mad About Books Stockport Schools' Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 9, 2022
5★
“No, I’m not brave!
I feel like a wobbly jelly!
I can’t do it!”
The illustrations in this little book are so imaginative that they could be anybody. They are living thought bubbles, plushy-looking and round enough to be cute, painted with grey colours neutral enough to represent any reader.
“These are the Ploofers. They have been practising something really special”
What’s that, you may ask? They are going to “SHOOF!” (Whatever that is.) It seems to be a little like being an upside-down balloon, puffing out a rainbow cloud that blows the Ploofer into the sky. The Ploofers may look grey but they are full of every colour.
“TA DA! They are flying! . . . Wait a minute . . . Where’s our little one?”
Where indeed? The little one is hanging back. Then a big one comes along, asking doesn’t it look like fun?
“Um, not really. Being up there looks way too scary.”
Understandable. But the big one says they can go together, so the little one agrees. Well, until the moment of truth and then all bets are off.
“NO! I’m not brave! I feel like a wobbly jelly. I can’t do it.”
So . . . how do you convince someone to give it a go, have a try, work up the courage? Step by gentle step, shoof by little shoof. That’s how!
“That’s it! We’re going up!” Oops, a slip. “Let’s try again . . . up we go!”
Flying through the air – whee! Nothing to it!
“I feel brave! . . . Look, everyone is so proud of you. Shall we join them?”
The Ploofers can do anything, go anywhere! They spot an interesting place in the distance. A new destination? Is the little one still brave?
“Um, where are we going?”
Notice a small change in attitude? The little one looks nervous but says “Where are WE going”, which sounds to me as if the gang is staying together.
I have not met the Ploofers in the first book, A Little Bit Different, but I certainly enjoyed meeting them here. I have chosen a few pictures from corners of pages to give a sense of the flow of the story, but all pages are full of activity and colour. As I said, the Ploofers themselves are neutral, but their internal inclusive rainbow colours are a perfect way to show they are the same inside - they contain all possibilities.
Delightfully cute, and I can imagine an adult or older reader guiding a younger one through the story and starting some conversations about any fears or worries they may have.
Thanks to NetGalley and words&pictures for the preview copy from which I’ve selected a few illustrations.
“No, I’m not brave!
I feel like a wobbly jelly!
I can’t do it!”
The illustrations in this little book are so imaginative that they could be anybody. They are living thought bubbles, plushy-looking and round enough to be cute, painted with grey colours neutral enough to represent any reader.
“These are the Ploofers. They have been practising something really special”
What’s that, you may ask? They are going to “SHOOF!” (Whatever that is.) It seems to be a little like being an upside-down balloon, puffing out a rainbow cloud that blows the Ploofer into the sky. The Ploofers may look grey but they are full of every colour.
“TA DA! They are flying! . . . Wait a minute . . . Where’s our little one?”
Where indeed? The little one is hanging back. Then a big one comes along, asking doesn’t it look like fun?
“Um, not really. Being up there looks way too scary.”
Understandable. But the big one says they can go together, so the little one agrees. Well, until the moment of truth and then all bets are off.
“NO! I’m not brave! I feel like a wobbly jelly. I can’t do it.”
So . . . how do you convince someone to give it a go, have a try, work up the courage? Step by gentle step, shoof by little shoof. That’s how!
“That’s it! We’re going up!” Oops, a slip. “Let’s try again . . . up we go!”
Flying through the air – whee! Nothing to it!
“I feel brave! . . . Look, everyone is so proud of you. Shall we join them?”
The Ploofers can do anything, go anywhere! They spot an interesting place in the distance. A new destination? Is the little one still brave?
“Um, where are we going?”
Notice a small change in attitude? The little one looks nervous but says “Where are WE going”, which sounds to me as if the gang is staying together.
I have not met the Ploofers in the first book, A Little Bit Different, but I certainly enjoyed meeting them here. I have chosen a few pictures from corners of pages to give a sense of the flow of the story, but all pages are full of activity and colour. As I said, the Ploofers themselves are neutral, but their internal inclusive rainbow colours are a perfect way to show they are the same inside - they contain all possibilities.
Delightfully cute, and I can imagine an adult or older reader guiding a younger one through the story and starting some conversations about any fears or worries they may have.
Thanks to NetGalley and words&pictures for the preview copy from which I’ve selected a few illustrations.
June 16, 2021
The Ploofers are back and they’ve continued to add some colour to their lives thanks to the SHOOF! Ploofer from A Little Bit Different. Now the Ploofers are ready to try something new. But Little One is scared of attempting this new thing.
Luckily Toasty, my favourite carb cheerleader, is also back and ready to provide Little One with some much needed support. I absolutely love that Toasty acknowledges Little One’s anxiety and reassures them that everyone gets scared.
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Little One isn’t left to face their fear alone. Toasty remains by their side, supporting and encouraging them as they bravely attempt the thing they didn’t think they could do.
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Toasty reminded me that it’s okay to accept help, that you don’t have to face the scary things in life alone.
My favourite part of Little One’s story is that he doesn’t overcome his fear on his first attempt. It is through perseverance that Little One succeeds. His fear doesn’t magically go away because he decides to try the scary thing; doing the thing even though you’re scared is what being brave is all about.
I need more of Toasty and the Ploofers in my life!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Happy Yak, and imprint of Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, for the opportunity to read this picture book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
Luckily Toasty, my favourite carb cheerleader, is also back and ready to provide Little One with some much needed support. I absolutely love that Toasty acknowledges Little One’s anxiety and reassures them that everyone gets scared.
[image error]
Little One isn’t left to face their fear alone. Toasty remains by their side, supporting and encouraging them as they bravely attempt the thing they didn’t think they could do.
[image error]
Toasty reminded me that it’s okay to accept help, that you don’t have to face the scary things in life alone.
My favourite part of Little One’s story is that he doesn’t overcome his fear on his first attempt. It is through perseverance that Little One succeeds. His fear doesn’t magically go away because he decides to try the scary thing; doing the thing even though you’re scared is what being brave is all about.
I need more of Toasty and the Ploofers in my life!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Happy Yak, and imprint of Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, for the opportunity to read this picture book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
July 19, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
A little bit of courage is an adorable children's book about Little One who is afraid of trying out the new thing the Ploofers have discovered.
Toasty comes along and spends time encouraging Little One, listening to them, reassuring them and guiding them step by step all the way until Little One achieved what he had been anxious and scared of doing.
This book is a brilliant resource for children who are anxious, scared of new things and situations, worry about things and are timid and shy.
This book is reassuring and encouraging for children and shows them that with a little bit of courage, they can achieve things.
A little bit of courage is an adorable children's book about Little One who is afraid of trying out the new thing the Ploofers have discovered.
Toasty comes along and spends time encouraging Little One, listening to them, reassuring them and guiding them step by step all the way until Little One achieved what he had been anxious and scared of doing.
This book is a brilliant resource for children who are anxious, scared of new things and situations, worry about things and are timid and shy.
This book is reassuring and encouraging for children and shows them that with a little bit of courage, they can achieve things.
June 4, 2021
This adorable uplifting story shares the message of overcoming anxiety and encourages children in finding the courage to live life to its fullest!
With its cute illustrations and simple text, children will be able to follow the story with ease as it is read to them and the illustrations compliment and further support the text making it easily understandable to young children. It uses bright colours along side grey, on a white background, which allows for the art work to stand out.
This book is perfect for supporting a young child with their Personal, Social and Emotional (PSED) development. You see in the story a character being unwilling to try what the others are doing due to being scared. Along comes Toasty who offers support and encouragement, and after several tries (and the support of Toasty) the character accomplishes its task and flies alongside its friends. Sharing the message that it’s okay to be scared of trying new things, but you won’t know if you can do them unless you try. Sometimes you may need to persevere, but the more you keep trying and practice, the more likely it is that you will be able to achieve what you are wanting to do.
I love children’s books that promote PSED development and positivity for young children, so for me, this adorable little tale is a definite 5 stars. It ticks all my boxes with it being simple, age appropriate, fun, inviting illustrations, and a great message.
This book is highly recommended by me, and I intend on purchasing a copy for the setting I work at, when it is released.
** I received an advanced copy of this ebook to read and review. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me this opportunity **
With its cute illustrations and simple text, children will be able to follow the story with ease as it is read to them and the illustrations compliment and further support the text making it easily understandable to young children. It uses bright colours along side grey, on a white background, which allows for the art work to stand out.
This book is perfect for supporting a young child with their Personal, Social and Emotional (PSED) development. You see in the story a character being unwilling to try what the others are doing due to being scared. Along comes Toasty who offers support and encouragement, and after several tries (and the support of Toasty) the character accomplishes its task and flies alongside its friends. Sharing the message that it’s okay to be scared of trying new things, but you won’t know if you can do them unless you try. Sometimes you may need to persevere, but the more you keep trying and practice, the more likely it is that you will be able to achieve what you are wanting to do.
I love children’s books that promote PSED development and positivity for young children, so for me, this adorable little tale is a definite 5 stars. It ticks all my boxes with it being simple, age appropriate, fun, inviting illustrations, and a great message.
This book is highly recommended by me, and I intend on purchasing a copy for the setting I work at, when it is released.
** I received an advanced copy of this ebook to read and review. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me this opportunity **
June 29, 2021
This is an excellent book about courage that teaches children how to be brave in small steps. Sometimes well-meaning adults are too pushy and it makes children feel even worse, so there are lessons for all ages in here. Trying something new is a rewarding goal to work toward and I think this will help a lot of kids do just that.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
June 2, 2021
Very good picture book for the less brave readers, showing how a little Ploofer can shoof. A shoof, by the way, involves farting multicoloured gas out a hole in the top of your head with enough thrust you can do a headstand on the cloud you're making, on the way to being thoroughly airborne. So yes, not a thing a cute little Ploofer would relish at first. And they do look cute – the adult ones look a bit like a fat slice of grey toast, while the young'un is, well, I won't mention Tribbles in case of trouble. A heartwarming slice of positivity made to look really attractive, this is four and a half stars.
August 24, 2021
These books are so adorable, they have the cutest characters ‘Ploofers’ that help teach children important lessons like courage in this book. This is about being scared and overcoming fear, a great lesson, but also better because it teaches the support of friends. This is so well written and simple, but so beautiful illustrations
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
August 6, 2021
I confess I haven't read the first book in this series A Little Bit Different and so was a little confused at the introduction of the "ploofers." I kept thinking: am I supposed to know what these things are? only to find out there was a first book about them. That said, I read this to my children who took it in stride just fine and they totally loved the little creatures and the heart of this story. I love that a little bit of courage is needed in order for the littlest ploofer to try out flying, but that they don't have to do it alone: someone comes along to help, guide, and encourage. It's wonderful. Such a simple heartfelt message all children will resonate with, and told in a unique and beautiful way.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.
June 22, 2021
Oh gosh are we going to be getting more in this super cute little Ploofers series? We've thoroughly enjoyed A Little Bit Different and this one just warms the heart just as much. We particularly liked that the little one didn't just get courage straight away and that it took a few tries, much more realistic to how it can take our little ones time and encouragement to have a go at something new. Especially when that something new can make them feel a bit like wobbly jelly! A great one for nursery and school starters.
Floss (aged 4) I liked the bit where he was a little be scared, but then he was brave because he had courage in him from his friend.
Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for our electronic ARC copy of this fab book for review. #ALittleBitofCourage
Floss (aged 4) I liked the bit where he was a little be scared, but then he was brave because he had courage in him from his friend.
Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for our electronic ARC copy of this fab book for review. #ALittleBitofCourage
June 22, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
The Ploofers return for another adventure. Now that they can Shoof!, they decide to go flying. All of them except the littlest one join together and start to soar. The little one is scared to fly so stays behind. He meets someone who encourages him to be brave and together they start flying too.
Lovely story about facing fear and finding courage. Alexander encourages readers to take small steps toward being brave and keep going. The illustrations capture the joy and fears in the character expressions. The soft colored rainbow clouds support the nurturing message in the text.
The Ploofers return for another adventure. Now that they can Shoof!, they decide to go flying. All of them except the littlest one join together and start to soar. The little one is scared to fly so stays behind. He meets someone who encourages him to be brave and together they start flying too.
Lovely story about facing fear and finding courage. Alexander encourages readers to take small steps toward being brave and keep going. The illustrations capture the joy and fears in the character expressions. The soft colored rainbow clouds support the nurturing message in the text.
August 28, 2021
The Ploofers are utterly adorable! As a group they are soaring to new colorful heights but the Little One is too scared. When a friend comes along and gives some words of encouragement, Little Ones feels emboldened to be themselves and goes farther than ever before. This story is wonderful. It would be great for children to see that having a little courage and trying something new can be extremely rewarding. The illustrations are incredibly cute and the rainbow colors from the Ploofers makes them even greater.
Special thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Special thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 7, 2023
I read one of his books and I decided to read another. I really enjoyed how simple his book was. I liked the use of colors that he uses. This will be a great book to show kids and read to kids it is to be courages and not be scared of different things. We have to be brave and you have to sometimes live outside the box. I really like how in the book doesn’t make the character feel bad. It just makes him think how what it would be if you took a chance and it some thing you don’t really do. Outside of your box.
Want to read
June 4, 2021As a mom and a teacher, I think this is a great book! The message is simple- it’s okay to be scared and your family and friends are there to encourage you. The whimsical illustrations are engaging! The simple text is easy to follow and will allow for meaningful conversations at home or in school.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Quarto Publishing Group through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Quarto Publishing Group through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
June 10, 2021
This is a beautiful little book, with cute characters. My daughter and I loved the story of the ploofers and how they helped the little one be brave and have courage when he was scared to fly with them. The illustrations are beautiful and colourful and the book has simple text that little children will understand.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2021
Trying new things can be scary, and Little One is no exception to feeling the fear of trying something new. Family and friends are there to help them, though, and once they try the new activity, they realize that they enjoy it. Claire Alexander’s A Little Bit of Courage features simple and sweet illustrations which will appeal to a toddler audience.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by Quarto Publishing Group. Originally published at Novel Obsession.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by Quarto Publishing Group. Originally published at Novel Obsession.
July 27, 2021
I read this book while waiting for my turn to get my vaccine. The cute illustrations in it gave me so much courage. As usual, it was a delight. It was easy to read and understand with the clear message of giving everything a try before you give up and be brave when you try something new. I find it lovely with the rainbow colours against the dull grey. The Ploofers are a heartwarming bunch as usual.
September 22, 2021
Who can resist these cute little Ploofers? Certainly not this school librarian. Little One learns all about small acts of bravery in "A Little Bit of Courage". I appreciate that the story focused on small things rather than one big courageous act. The illustrations are simple and inviting. The story moves at a gentle pace. I will definitely be using this as a read aloud during library unless the counselor calls dibs.
December 30, 2022
While this is a great book for kids because they will identify with the little ploofer as themselves, I think that everyone of us still has a little ploofer inside of us that wonders if we can do what we have been tasked with doing at different times. This book is great for kids (of all ages) just as a sweet reminder that a little bit of courage can take us to amazing places and we face these challenges more than we realize.
October 17, 2024
A Little Bit of Courage by Claire Alexander is a pleasant early years read that gently explores the theme of bravery. While it may not be a book I’d rush to re-read, it offers a sweet narrative that encourages young children to find their own courage in everyday situations. The illustrations are charming, making it a nice addition to any young reader's reading list. Overall, it’s a lovely story that introduces an important concept in a simple, relatable way.
June 10, 2021
"No! I'm scared!"
"It's alright."
"Let's try again."
An adorable, colorful tale of a little ploofer learning to be brave. I appreciate the wisdom of acknowledging fear as real--instead of saying "you're fine," saying it's okay to be scared.
A whimsical, wholly-original story, one where you smile at its simplicity and imagination. Highly recommended.
"It's alright."
"Let's try again."
An adorable, colorful tale of a little ploofer learning to be brave. I appreciate the wisdom of acknowledging fear as real--instead of saying "you're fine," saying it's okay to be scared.
A whimsical, wholly-original story, one where you smile at its simplicity and imagination. Highly recommended.
June 11, 2021
Oh I so love Ploofers, they are the most adorable creatures that help teach lessons to children, this one is about the smallest ploofer being scared until he overcomes his fear with the help of his friends.
It is such a sweet none patronising book! It is very well written and the illustrations are beautiful with colours that will engage the reader.
Perfect for anyone with young children!
It is such a sweet none patronising book! It is very well written and the illustrations are beautiful with colours that will engage the reader.
Perfect for anyone with young children!
July 6, 2021
The Ploofers are back! I absolutely adored the first book - it is still my favourite, and this makes a great little companion. Heartwarming and sweet with another good message. I love the use of greys with the pops of colour. Kids should definitely meet The Ploofers - they are a hoot!
*E-arc received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*E-arc received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak for a free digital copy.
A very cute tale of needing courage to get where you need to go in life. I did think it was a little too conceptual and may go over the heads of kids because the little characters are just so far from reality.
A very cute tale of needing courage to get where you need to go in life. I did think it was a little too conceptual and may go over the heads of kids because the little characters are just so far from reality.
June 10, 2021
What a sweet but true book! All you need is courage to do anything and it lets readers know it’s okay to be scared or nervous to try anything! Courage is all you need!
Want to read
June 22, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 28, 2021
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* kinda weird but pretty cute, would be good to read with other books about courage
July 10, 2021
Cute illustrated book full of inspiring messages about getting trough anxiety and courage to do the things that scare you. I recommend this book for little ones that need a bit of encouragement.
Want to read
August 9, 2021The Ploofers are back in this equally cute sequel to A Little Bit Different. This time, they try something new and learn they can fly! But will Little One find the courage to follow them?
January 10, 2022
Too cute. I love the made up words. Allows kids use their imagination, makes the book more interactive. Suh kewt.
September 28, 2022
Okay but this was absolutely PRECIOUS and I love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews