Everyday Brave

Gr 1-3–There once was a girl whose bravery came from her lion “and because her lion was big and fearless it was easy to be brave.” She roared when she needed courage and her lion roared back. With her lion by her side, she is brave in big and little ways. She doesn’t fear the dark, storms, monsters under the bed, broccoli, saying hello first, exploring, speaking up, starting over, and so much more. On the day that someone tells her that the lion is only in her imagination, she is bereft. “The world was scary” with its new people, new food, and new experiences. In the dark of a stormy night, she gathers her courage to roar again, but it comes out as a little squeak. She thinks of all the ways her life was better when she was brave, and she tries again. Jackson’s conversational text touches on big and small fears that will resonate with readers of all ages, as will the need to rise above those fears. The artistic and dynamic illustrations easily reflect the unnamed protagonist’s emotions, which are enhanced by the effective use of details, color, and white space. The flowing red hair of the girl matches her lion’s mane, giving a clever visual clue to the ending.