Book Review When You Are Brave

This beautifully illustrated picture book offers a gentle exploration of childhood courage, showing how bravery can be found even during life's most intimidating transitions. The story follows a young girl navigating various anxiety-provoking situations—from moving away from familiar neighbors to facing dark roads and unfamiliar cities—that will resonate deeply with children confronting their own fears. Miller's lyrical text validates these feelings of being "small and quiet" while guiding readers toward discovering their inner strength, making this an exceptional emotional toolkit for early childhood development.

What distinguishes this book is its masterful balance between acknowledging fear and demonstrating practical empowerment through the girl's breathing exercises and internal focus. The narrative transforms abstract concepts of bravery into something tangible that children can cultivate themselves, much like nurturing a "hidden spark." Families navigating new schools, moving homes, or other significant changes will find particular comfort in these pages, as the story provides both reassurance and concrete strategies for building resilience. This emotionally intelligent approach to social-emotional learning leaves young readers with lasting confidence that their courage comes from within.