I Can Learn to Be Brave
Will be published approx. on 7. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
32 pages
979-8-217-04190-9 (ISBN)
Description
From the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde, comes a picture book that teaches the smallest readers that no voice is too quiet, no message too small, to have an impact on a friend.
There once was a girl who wished she was brave.
But mostly . . .
She was not.
A little girl is scared to try new things. New things are hard! What if she fails? What if someone sees her fail? She laments that she'd like to be brave, but how does she start when the world is so big and she is so small?
Luckily, another very brave girl takes her under her wing and shows her how to be brave in those small decisive moments that children may not realize beckon bravery forward. Climbing a hill, using a rope swing, and finding the most beautiful sunset. For those little moments--Bishop Budde argues--are the ones that become the biggest lessons.
Inspired by her adult book How We Learn to Be Brave, Bishop Budde's words can now be read and held close by readers of all ages. Children are never too young to learn that they can effect change, and this brilliant text, accompanied by gorgeous art by New York Times bestselling illustrator Holly Hatam, is one that will inspire generations to come.
"A boon to uncertain youngsters everywhere." - Kirkus Reviews
There once was a girl who wished she was brave.
But mostly . . .
She was not.
A little girl is scared to try new things. New things are hard! What if she fails? What if someone sees her fail? She laments that she'd like to be brave, but how does she start when the world is so big and she is so small?
Luckily, another very brave girl takes her under her wing and shows her how to be brave in those small decisive moments that children may not realize beckon bravery forward. Climbing a hill, using a rope swing, and finding the most beautiful sunset. For those little moments--Bishop Budde argues--are the ones that become the biggest lessons.
Inspired by her adult book How We Learn to Be Brave, Bishop Budde's words can now be read and held close by readers of all ages. Children are never too young to learn that they can effect change, and this brilliant text, accompanied by gorgeous art by New York Times bestselling illustrator Holly Hatam, is one that will inspire generations to come.
"A boon to uncertain youngsters everywhere." - Kirkus Reviews
Reviews / Votes
"Our unsure protagonist encounters another girl, a bold youngster who invites her to embark her on an adventure. First, they must climb a hill. The not-so-brave girl has a list of excuses why she can't, but her new friend offers some gentle words of wisdom... Budde, who knows something about bravery herself, narrates this fablelike tale with a gently guiding tone that rings true. Notably, she stresses that being courageous is a work in progress: 'I think we're all learning to be brave all the time.' Hatam's illustrations depict sweet-faced, cartoonish characters against collage-style backdrops that pop with tactile textures... A boon to uncertain youngsters everywhere." - Kirkus ReviewsMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Penguin Young Readers
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Product notice
Picture book
Illustrations
FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS
Dimensions
Height: 248 mm
Width: 245 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
567 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-217-04190-9 (9798217041909)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Mariann Edgar Budde is the bishop and spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Prior to her election in 2011, she was a parish priest in Minneapolis for eighteen years. She has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Meet the Press, Good Morning America, and the Today show, among others. Bishop Budde earned her master's in divinity and doctor of ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Holly Hatam is an author and illustrator working in bookmaking and animation. She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Dear Girl and Dear Boy. She lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son.
Holly Hatam is an author and illustrator working in bookmaking and animation. She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Dear Girl and Dear Boy. She lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son.