Courage: A Book for Anyone Leaping into Something New – A Heartfelt Picture Book About Bravery and Heroes for Kids (Ages 4-8) - Hardcover

Waber, Bernard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0618238557 ISBN 13: 9780618238552

Publisher: Clarion Books, 2002

Synopsis

Bernard Waber, creator of the beloved Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, explores many different kinds of courage in this look at the moments, big and small, that bring out bravery in each of us. 

There are many kinds of courage. Awesome kinds. And everyday kinds.

Highlighting both the big and seemingly small actions of ordinary people—like being the first to make up after an argument or going to bed without a nightlight—Courage is the perfect read for anyone who needs a boost of confidence. With gentleness and humor, Bernard Waber presents an ideal read for milestones like graduation or starting school, or for gently responding to world events that feel overwhelming or scary. In moments that require resilience and compassion, Courage is an empowering balm for the spirit.

About this title

About the Author

Bernard Waber was the beloved author-illustrator of more than thirty picture books, including Courage, Ira Sleeps Over, and Do You See a Mouse? With the publication of The House on East 88th Street in 1962, his Lyle, Lyle Crocodile series of books became a mainstay of children's literature and was adapted for both stage and screen. A Literary Landmark plaque commemorating the adventures of this endearing New York City reptile can now be found on East 88th Street. bernardwaber.com.

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 3-Focusing on a variety of scenarios, from the serious ("Courage is being the first to make up after an argument") to the more lighthearted ("Courage is tasting the vegetable before making a face"), Waber introduces children to the many ways to define this character trait. One or two statements appear on each page, accompanied by a whimsical pen-and-ink and watercolor illustration that offers an amusing interpretation of the captionlike text. Some examples seem to fit attributes other than courage more precisely ("Courage is two candy bars and saving one for tomorrow"), but children will certainly relate to most of them. A good read-aloud to spark conversation about what courage is and isn't, and the many forms it takes.
Jessica Snow, Boston Public Library
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In this poignant yet entertaining volume, versatile author and artist Waber (The Mouse That Snored) takes a look at the various ways in which kids, the occasional grown-up and one endearing canine display bravery. "There are many kinds of courage," the narrative begins. "Awesome kinds" appears on a spread of trapeze artists; "everyday kinds" depicts a boy who summons the confidence to jump off a high dive. Minimal yet artfully crafted text and sprightly art reveal some gutsy acts that all youngsters will identify with: taking that first bike ride without training wheels, explaining the rip in a brand-new pair of pants. The author's observations range from lighthearted ("Courage is deliberately stepping on sidewalk cracks") to those worthy of reflection ("Courage is being the first to make up after an argument"). Waber's wit infuses many of the pages, including one from a dog's viewpoint: a "Beware of Dog" sign adorns the front lawn of a house while, inside, a pooch quakes listening to eerie sounds "Courage is it's your job to check out the night noises in the house." On the affecting, timely penultimate spread, scenes of firefighters and a police officer on the job ("Courage is being a firefighter, or a police officer") appear opposite the image of a mother and two children watching a plane take off ("Courage is sometimes having to say goodbye"). Uncovering an array of triumphs and fears, this is a natural read-aloud likely to spark valuable adult-child dialogue and to help youngsters conquer their own fears. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

K-Gr. 3. Veteran author-illustrator Waber offers a simple book with a complex message, illustrated with his familiar combination of crayon-colored sweetness and agitated line. The statement, "There are many kinds of courage," begins the book; the illustration shows a skater in full extension in the air, her head and arms held high. "Everyday kinds" of courage are illustrated by a small boy hesitating and then diving off the board into a pool, and courage is also "nobody better pick on your little brother." Boys and girls and even dogs in this book practice the virtue: "Courage is breaking bad habits" shows a dog trying to refrain from attacking a very agitated cat. Some of the displays of courage stretch the concept--saving a candy bar for the morrow or not peeking to see whodunit at the end of a mystery--but mostly Waber succeeds in illustrating an abstraction in concrete ways that will resonate with children. Firefighters and police officers and the courage to say good-bye end the book: "Courage is what we give to each other." GraceAnne DeCandido
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0618238557
• ISBN 13: 9780618238552
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32