Starting school can be daunting for any child. The uncertainty of which classroom they'll be in, who their teacher will be, and which friends will be with them can cause anxiety. But bravery doesn’t just come in big, dramatic moments—it can also show up in the little steps children take to face the unknown with courage.

Sharing stories and picture books can help children gain more independence and encourage them to try new things. These stories introduce kids to concepts like mindfulness, self-regulation, and self-control, and offer techniques for overcoming fears. As teachers and caregivers, we have the power to encourage our children to develop confidence and resilience—qualities that will help them face any challenge, no matter their age.

It’s a beautiful thing when a child realizes that being brave can lead to exciting and rewarding experiences. The growth in their confidence, step by step, is truly something special.

Here are some of my favourite ‘being brave’ picture books:

• Alfie the Brave by Richard Harris

• Get Me Out of This Book: Rules and Tools for Being Brave by Kalli Dakos and Deborah Cholette

• Brave As Can Be: A Book of Courage by Jo Witek

• Brave & Strong & True by Zoe Weston

• A Little Bit Brave by Nicola Kinnear

• The Very Brave Bear by Nick Bland

• Brian the Brave by Paul Stewart

• Brave Maeve by Lydia Donev

• Brave as a Lion by Kirk Cameron

• We Are All Brave by P. Crumble

Have you come across any other great 'being brave' books that you would recommend or have shared with your class in the past? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation and leave a comment below.

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