Brave in every which way by Maddy Mara and Lauren Degraaf

As the theme of the book is shown in the title, readers will quickly recall what the word means for them, and remember brave deeds within their friendship group, family, and community. But opening the book and reading the verses, readers will begin to see that the author is not talking of the public, heroic acts that people see as brave, rather the everyday things where children recognise their faults and apologise for something they have done wrong or for stepping outside their comfort zone to include someone into their group. Even trying new foods, alien to them, is an act of bravery. It involves stepping outside what is the norm, what is expected and seeing how other people feel, understanding their perspective and empathising with them.

Each double page gives the reader a situation where bravery is needed, and then how it is received. The illustrations used to exemplify that act of bravery show children in situations not uncommon to those of our readers and so will be easily recognised and understood by the target audience.

Bravery is also asking for help when help is needed. It can also mean speaking in front of an audience and refusing to go along with others who call hateful names or try to bully someone. Speaking out is always a brave thing to do, and I love the illustrations supporting these pages showing the long shadows cast by the bullies. When there has been a falling out amongst friends, it is a brave thing to do to repair the rift, and being kind will be seen and treasured by everyone.

The theme of bravery will surprise the readers, expecting a heroic act, but finding that they too are brave most days of their lives: brave in standing up for themselves and others, brave in overcoming their fears, brave in helping someone, and so on. Little deeds mean a lot to others, and help the group get along.

Themes: Bravery, Empathy, Understanding.

Fran Knight