As a parent, I\u2019m always mindful to set good examples for my kids, while also teaching them valuable life lessons that will benefit them as adults. Like all parents and caregivers, I want my children to grow up and lead successful lives. Of course, there are countless things that lead to success and happiness, but I believe one of the most powerful is courage.<\/p>\n
During the average person\u2019s lifetime, they\u2019ll experience successes, failures, rejections, and many unexpected turns. That\u2019s why I think it\u2019s important to instill courage in children from a young age and continuously expose them to safe opportunities where they can practice being brave in real-life scenarios.<\/p>\n
Below, I’ve rounded up a list of picture books to help facilitate conversations about bravery and courage. These stories help kids understand that they\u2019re strong, they can cope, and they\u2019re not as fragile and small as they might sometimes feel.<\/p>\n
no no 9780399246531 The Day You Begin<\/i> by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael L\u00f3pez <\/p>\n
The inimitable Jacqueline Woodson has gifted us with a powerful, poetic picture book to share with children while talking about bravery and acceptance. It\u2019s a great read-aloud for classroom settings to discuss empathy and appreciating the unique experiences, qualities, and cultures of others.<\/p>\n
9780593564691 Piper Chen Sings<\/i> by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, illustrated by Qin Leng <\/p>\n
Piper loves singing, so she\u2019s thrilled to get a solo in the upcoming Spring Sing. However, it doesn\u2019t take long before she feels nervous about performing in front of the school. With help and encouragement from her family (and lots of practice), Piper overcomes her jitters and delivers a well-rehearsed performance. <\/p>\n
9781524787011 Tomorrow I\u2019ll Be Brave <\/i> by Jessica Hische <\/p>\n
This book teaches kids that bravery isn\u2019t about being fearless. It\u2019s about something magical that happens inside of us to push through our fear, self-doubt, and anxiety and do the things that feel hard or frightening. Sometimes, being brave only has to happen for seconds at a time \u2014 just long enough to be just brave enough. <\/p>\n
9781524739058 Come With Me <\/i> by Holly M. McGhee, illustrated by Pascal Lema\u00eetre <\/p>\n
Come With Me<\/i> subtly addresses fears children may have about hatred and violence occurring in the world today. A helpful resource for tragic events you\u2019re unsure how to explain, this book also shows kids they can make a difference and be brave no matter how small they are.<\/p>\n
9780593406410 Esi the Brave (Who Was Not Afraid of Anything)<\/i> by Bernard Mensah, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa <\/p>\n
Esi is excited to attend the Kakamotobi Festival with her parents. But when she gets separated from them at the festival, she must stay calm and brave. Colorful, detailed illustrations and a relatable main character make this an excellent addition to storytime.<\/p>\n
9780525579014 Bold & Brave<\/i> by Kirsten Gillibrand, illustrated by Maira Kalman <\/p>\n
An inspiring picture book, Bold & Brave<\/i> features the extraordinary stories of ten suffragettes, including Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Each of the women profiled had to be courageous, and they took great risks by speaking up and demanding voting rights for women in America.<\/p>\n
9781536232547 How to Be Brave<\/i> by Karl Newson, illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi <\/p>\n
Follow a child and their animal friends as they overcome fears and try new things. This sweet book encourages children to set aside their apprehension and be open to new experiences. Embracing the unknown can lead to rewarding friendships, memories, and adventure.<\/p>\n
9780399555312 Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag<\/i> by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno <\/p>\n
Share the true story of social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker, creators of the Gay Pride Rainbow Flag. With messages of courage, hope, and equality, this is a picture book for all ages that reminds us to love one another and take pride in our identities. <\/p>\n
9780399163975 Little Tree<\/i> by Loren Long <\/p>\n
Little Tree is afraid to let go of its leaves, so it remains small while all the other trees grow bigger each year. This is a heartwarming story with sparse text that echoes themes of letting go, fear of change, and the bravery of taking a leap of faith.<\/p>\n
9781536225082 As Brave as a Lion<\/i> by Erika Meza <\/p>\n
Whenever the little girl in this story feels too shy or afraid, her big, brave lion steps in to help her out. And when they get into a situation where the lion feels scared, the girl musters her courage to help her friend. This vibrant story celebrates how good friends can help us face our fears.<\/p>\n
9780147510587 Back of the Bus <\/i> by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Floyd Cooper <\/p>\n
A beautiful and historical retelling of the activism of Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama, as seen through a child\u2019s perspective. While the little boy finds the situation a bit scary, he also feels proud of the brave women like his mother and Mrs. Parks, and how they stood up to social injustice. It\u2019s a wonderful read for teaching children about courage.<\/p>\n
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2024.<\/small><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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