Picture Books about Courage
A great concept to teach kids about is bravery. Bravery, of course, doesn’t mean not being scared. It means taking action despite your fear. These charming and moving picture books show many different kinds of courage. At a time in our culture when we are called on to stand up for what we believe and to support those who are vulnerable, these will be valuable books to have on the shelf. Maybe some adults could read these, too.
Come with Me by Holly M. McGhee and Pascal Lemaître (2017)
Lemaître’s ink and watercolor illustrations and McGhee’s gentle text depict the fear that kids can feel when the world outside is overwhelming. Arguing that we can face anything if we do it together, this book is the perfect way to start a conversation about building community.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall (2017)
Jabari is going to the pool with his family. He’s finished his swimming lessons so he’s ready to jump off the diving board. Or is he? Jabari’s dad helps him work up the courage to take the plunge with a breathing exercise and a mindset change. I liked how Cornwall’s illustrations make Jabari jump out from the background.
There Might be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi and Laurel Molk (2017)
Kid Eleanor and dog Sukie are going to the beach. But Sukie doesn’t like to be near anything remotely scary. She could get hurt, it might be too loud, she could get lost, or there might be lobsters! Eleanor helps Sukie through some exposure therapy to enjoy her day at the beach.
What Do You Do with a Chance? by Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom (2017)
This story personifies opportunity as an origami bird/butterfly-like creature that occasionally flies by. The child misses one and feels embarassed; after that, they avoid “chances” so as not to take that risk. But they eventually realize that they are missing out by not taking the chances that fly by.
My Footprints by Bao Phi and Basia Tran (2019)
Thuy is teased by other kids because she is Vietnamese and has two moms. She creates footprints in the snow that look like powerful animals to make herself feel stronger. Her mothers help her to see how their family is the strongest creature of all.
Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor (2021)
This book, drawn with pencil, acrylic paint, and colored pencils, uses the physical attributes of a book in clever ways. When you begin reading, you open the book like a laptop rather than the traditional right to left motion. This allows the drawings more space to show Mel the bird falling from the nest. Mel is the only sibling that wants to leave. The bird plunges down past the other creatures who live in the tree and into the water, where Mel catches a fish.
John’s Turn by Mac Barnett and Kate Berube (2022)
At John’s school, students are allowed to demonstrate their special talents during “Sharing Gifts” at Assembly. John prepares to show the ballet he studies, but he’s nervous how his classmates will respond. He finds his courage, immerses himself in the dance, and is rewarded with applause.
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise (2023)
An owl has a simple dream: to be a knight. He makes it through Knight School and serves on the Knight Night Watch. One night, when the rest of the Knights have fallen asleep, he faces and eventually befriends a dragon. Check out the author’s reading of the book on YouTube.
The House Before Falling into the Sea by Ann Suk Wang and Hanna Cha (2024)
This picture book is set during the Korean War, a time of many displaced people within the country. Kyung’s parents open their house to family, friends, and strangers who need a safe place to stay. She dislikes the intrusion at first, but then her parents explain that this is their way of helping others in need.