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Books for feelings and life

Books about being brave

Courage in picture books is often small: asking a question, trying a new food, going in the water. These make bravery ordinary.

Picks drawn from long-standing children's-librarian lists, ALSC notable and award records, and Common Sense Media age ratings, with each title and author checked against Open Library, Oct 2026. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.

  1. Be Brave, Little Penguin

    Giles Andreae · Ages 3-6

    A young penguin is afraid to swim and learns with encouragement.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  2. Brave Irene

    William Steig · Ages 5-9

    Irene carries a dress through a snowstorm for her sick mother. A classic.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  3. Courage

    Bernard Waber · Ages 4-8

    Short lists of everyday brave things.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  4. Jabari Jumps

    Gaia Cornwall · Ages 3-7

    Jabari is sure he's ready to dive from the high board and then isn't. A father lets him decide.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  5. The Bear and the Piano

    David Litchfield · Ages 4-8

    A bear takes his talent to the city and returns to the woods. About ambition and home.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  6. Mirette on the High Wire

    Emily Arnold McCully · Ages 5-9

    A girl learns to walk a tightrope. Winner of the 1993 Caldecott Medal.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  7. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin

    Chieri Uegaki · Ages 5-9

    Hana plays her first public recital for her grandfather.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

  8. Whistle for Willie

    Ezra Jack Keats · Ages 3-6

    Peter keeps trying to whistle for his dog.

    Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon

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