Braver than Brave

Wanda desperately wants to be brave like her big brother Zane, but it’s not easy. When the Coaster of Doom opens at the local amusement park, Wanda is determined to show her brave. With all eyes on her, Wanda must find the confidence to be her own kind of brave. Mixing humor with themes of self-awareness and responsible decision making, author Janet Sumner Johnson shows the importance of thinking for yourself, being confident in your own beliefs, and accepting differences in others. Johnson proves that everyone has their own kind of brave, and that’s totally okay.

Janet Sumner Johnson has been writing for as long as she can remember. She bakes a mean cinnamon twist and eats way more cookies than are good for her, which explains her running habit. Though her full-time occupation as Mom takes most of her time, she sneaks in writing at night when her inner funny bone is fully unleashed. Janet lives in Utah with her husband and three kids.

Eunji Jun is a freelance illustrator & designer, currently living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She studied graphic design at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario, and have been working as a full-time illustrator since 2018. Eunji specializes in drawing children-related subject matters in a contemporary and whimsical style by capturing innocent emotions and imaginary worlds lodged deep within one's childhood fantasies.

Interest level: K-2

Reading level: K-2

Why We Love this Book: The term “brave” means something different for every child. This book is a great jumping off point for an introductory discussion about types of bravery; Highlights core competencies for developing social-emotional intelligence, with a main focus on self-awareness and responsible decision-making; Bestselling picture book author Janet Sumner Johnson (Help Wanted, Must Love Books) demonstrates the differences between encouragement and peer pressure; Shows kids that it’s okay to be scared, and it’s okay to stand up for yourself while emphasizing the importance of thinking for yourself, being confident in your beliefs, and accepting differences in others