Picture books that teach courage, and how we read them at bedtime

Some of the best books about being brave are about characters who are scared first. A big bear who is afraid of his own reflection. A small goat on a bridge. A child who walks into the woods anyway.

We read one each night this week. Afterward I asked one question: when did the character feel scared, and what did they do next?

Why it works

Kids don't need to hear "be brave." They need to see someone be scared and keep going.