How brave I can be by Bryll & Beth Stephen. Illus. by Simon Howe

Byll and Beth Stephen, the writers behind the ABC TV musical sensations Teeny Tiny Stevies, have written a thoughtful and gentle book about growing, changing, learning, and more importantly being brave. They cleverly work through the stages of development, and it is not only bravery for children they look at but brave adults letting go. For children the brave milestones shared are taking first steps as a toddler, learning to ride a two-wheeler bike, falling over, learning to swim, not winning, climbing a tall tree, and finally leaving home. For the adults, being brave is about realising that they might have to let their child find their own path and watch from the sidelines. But also trust that they have prepared their child for what lies ahead.

The illustrations in this book are beautifully presented with the child or adult showing bravery depicted in full colour with the other characters and the setting in muted tones. An interesting book that will benefit from being shared between an adult and child.

Themes: Growing Up, Being Brave, Changing.

Kathryn Beilby