This was a really sweet and informative book on how adults can support children with childhood and anxiety and selective mutism. The illustrations were so well done, and I loved how they told parts of the story that weren't written. I loved how the story is about facing what might be hard and learning to be brave, and the adults in the story reinforcing that behavior rather than shielding the child away from what might scare them. The author clearly knows what she's talking about, and also included a helpful guide at the end of the story for more information on SM.

The lines of the story themselves weren't necessarily always rhythmic and didn't flow smoothly at times. This is also a bit on the longer side for a children's book and they may not want to sit through the entire thing.

This is a beautifully written story letting kids know that it's okay to feel all their feelings. The child in the story has mutism, and there is information about that too. The parents are loving, supportive, and patient, and the rhymes are fun. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

I loved this book! The artwork is so cute, and was an amazing lesson of bravery, and was an engaging and age appropriate way to learn about selective mutism! Will definitely be adding this to the Kiddos shelves!

This book explores empathy, inclusiveness, and understanding. It definitely can help childrenesrn more sbiit how they can be more empathetic towards others classmates, friends, and family. The book covers mutism snd how one might navigate the world. This book also explores how a child with mutism might think and feel about the things around them. Anyone who reads this book will benefit from reading this book. It shows the struggles and tribulations that the main character goes through.

Bravery Grows is a book with such a lovely message. It’s clear how well the authors have tried to understand children and this obstacle, and the story handles it with grace. Especially with the pages at the back for information and advice for any adult readers.
The story does go on longer than most typical children’s books, which might not appeal to every child. Additionally, the flow of the words is not always as rhythmic as one might want for narration. But overall, I think this is a wonderful story to share with children.
Thank you to NetGalley and JKP for providing me this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Good children’s book that assists parents in viewing their shy children and helping shy children know that growing their bravery can take time. We’re all comfortable at home (or should be), but having that same level of comfort around strangers can be a task that some of us have to work at and be encouraged to do so.

Bravery Grows is a children's book devoted to the experience of kids who feel safe and confident in their home environment but have trouble being themselves outside of it. It handles with care the feelings and uncertainty that can come up when you leave your comfort zone and shows us that it's okay to be ourselves no matter where we are or who we are with. The illustrations are soft and sweet and provide a consistent backdrop for our main character to move through her story. The author also includes resources for caretakers whose children may struggle with feeling scared and vulnerable.

A beautifully illustrated book that explores an important topic—selective mutism, a condition where a child struggles to speak in certain situations. While it seems primarily written for teachers and child psychologists, I believe it’s just as valuable for parents and children alike. Even kids who have never experienced selective mutism can benefit from understanding classmates who do.

This book is a great way to teach children about empathy, inclusivity, and how to support friends who might find it difficult to speak up. I'd also highly recommend it for story times at libraries.
A thoughtful and essential read for building empathy!

Bravery Grows not only had adorable imagery for children, but also a great message. This is a good tool for kids to learn that anxiety is absolutely something that can be overcome or managed if you treat yourself kindly and ask for help from someone you trust.
This book is also great for parents or guardians, as it provides resources at the end of the book for children struggling with anxiety disorders.
As someone who struggled with severe anxiety as a child, this book would have been wonderful to have when I was young, so I look forward to children being able to access it now.

This book was absolute perfection until 68% when it introduced the necklace gift.

I felt so seen here - as a 37 year old autistic woman, selective mutism was something I struggled with as a child - it was amazing to see it brought to life in illustrations. I feel like this would be such a great book for children struggling - I really appreciated the additional information for caregivers at the end as well.

What keeps this from being a perfect book is definitely the "gift" of a jewel necklace. I'm not sure why that was needed. I feel like it suggests that you need a magic stone or special gift to be brave or work this. While I am sure that something like this could be helpful in real life - an anchor for the child to hang to - I can't help but think, any kid that reads this is now going to expect something like this to help them. Children don't need "things" to feel brave, the courage they need is inside them (even if it is hidden) and a narrative that centers that would have been a much better message in my opinion.