'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Friday 7 August 2015

Review: Brave As Can Be

Following on from the success of their first two books--Hello in There! and In My Heart: A Book of Feelings--Jo Witek and Christine Roussey are back with this third book on the emotional renderings of young children--this time, on Courage.

Our little narrator takes kids on a journey through the varying issues and situations that plague the very young (and indeed, the old)--from creaks and squeaks to booming thunderclaps, monsters in the dark, terrifying dogs, becoming lost or even being frowned at by her teacher.


As each scenario unfolds, the girl tells us how she has overcome each one--her techniques for feeling brave and unaffected, leading us to a heartwarming conclusion on how much she has grown and how her mountain of fears are no longer as large as they used to be.

Offering the chance for children to feel related to, along with really useable thoughts and techniques that any child could use for themselves and their own fears and worries, Brave As Can Be combines a sweet narrative with an endearing character, heartfelt relatability, and the most gorgeous, super modern illustrations, complete with peek-through holes to pages front and back, continuing the 'what may happen' and 'what's past is past' theme.

Absolutely adorable, and a worthy addition to my growing collection by this clever duo. Kids will love it.

Title: Brave As Can Be
Author: Jo Witek
Illustrator: Christine Roussey
Publisher: Abrams, $19.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 August 2015
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781419719233
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book