If You're Scared, Then Do It Scared!

When DD faces something scary, her heart beats fast, her palms get sweaty, and she wants to run away. But what if being brave doesn't mean the fear goes away-what if it means doing it anyway?

"If You're Scared, Then Do It Scared" is a warm, empowering picture book that teaches children the true meaning of courage: not the absence of fear, but the choice to keep going even when you're afraid. Through DD's relatable journey, young readers discover that every brave person they admire was once scared too-and that feeling afraid is actually the first step toward being brave.

Written for children in kindergarten through 6th grade, this social-emotional learning (SEL) picture book supports the CASEL framework competencies of self-awareness and self-management. Perfect for classroom read-alouds, morning meetings, school counselor lessons, and bedtime conversations about big feelings.

Ideal for parents seeking tools to help anxious children build confidence, and for educators looking for SEL-aligned picture books that make abstract concepts like courage concrete and accessible. Includes discussion-ready themes for character education and emotional resilience programs.

Published by The Little Guiding Light Books LLC. Part of an SEL picture book series designed to give children the emotional vocabulary they need to navigate life's biggest moments.

Danny Baideme is a mother, author, and illustrator from Lakeville, Minnesota. She founded The Little Guiding Light Books LLC to create social-emotional learning picture books that give children the words and tools to face life's biggest moments. Her debut series launches with two titles-"If You're Scared, Then Do It Scared" and "The Girl Who Saved One"-both designed for children in K-6 grades. Danny's mission is to help kids understand that courage is not the absence of fear, and that even the smallest act of compassion can change the world.