New Children’s Book about Courage: How Big is Your Brave? Book Review and 10 Activities to Teach Kids about Courage

We know that helping our kids be brave will help them live the life of their dreams. In this new children’s book about courage called How Big is Your Brave?, Zippy the rabbit learns how to face her fears and move forward, even though she is scared. This little bunny who learns to be brave will teach our kids how to be brave too and inspire them to follow their dreams. Carry the message deeper into kids’ hearts with these 10 activities to teach kids about courage.

I was given a free copy of “How Big is Your Brave” in exchange for sharing my honest review. Additionally, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to shop through those links, you support Lovin’ Life with Littles at no additional cost to you. You can read my Full Disclosure Policy. Thank you for you support!

The Message of Courage in How Big is Your Brave? By Ruth Soukup

Whether it is nervousness about the dark, stage fright, or the anxiety of being rejected by peers, our kids face fears every day. However, they can fall asleep, perform on that stage, or make a new friend, even when it feels scary. If we can help our kids learn to act even when they feel scared, we do them a great service.

In How Big Is Your Brave? we follow the story of Zippy the bunny. Zippy really wants to go to space, and she knows that attending space camp could help her get there. However, she is scared to go. Her family helps her realize that courage doesn’t mean the fears will go away; courage means you “do it scared.”

Zippy faces a failure as she works to make a rocket for the space camp Launch Day. Again, her family teaches Zippy that she can control how she reacts to set-backs. In the story, that set-back launches Zippy to a blue ribbon finish.

In the end, Zippy shows us that we need to dream big and then act, even if we’re scared, to reach those big dreams. As we persist, our fears take back seat to our dreams.

Book Review for How Big is Your Brave? A Children’s Book about Courage

With five kids between the ages of two and twelve, our household is a pretty good review grounds. 🙂

I have been impressed with Ruth Soukup’s content in the past, so I was excited when our copy of How Big is Your Brave? arrived. We gathered outside and read the new picture book about courage together.

The story appealed to my kids of different ages.

The beautiful illustrations by Alison Friend were a hit with everyone. Even my toddler appreciated them. The full-page spreads are bold and colorful. Various pages contain powerful one-liners worked into the illustration. The pictures truly tell the story well.

My preschooler was the most wrapped up in the story and wanted to read it again right when we finished and then again on her own. She is the perfect age for brave bunnies and space camp.

One of my kids was feeling a little too cool for school and thought the book was too cheesy. However, I found it interesting that as we discussed the book and took the ideas of courage from the story about a rabbit and into real life, all of my older kids responded well, even the naysayer. A meaningful discussion followed with insights about courage that I hadn’t even thought of before.

Soukup did a good job of weaving principles of courage into the storyline, teaching clearly without coming off as preachy. A side theme I also appreciated was how the sibling and family relationships were portrayed. That family of rabbits supported each others’ dreams and chose to forgive when the need arose.

Overall, my kids really enjoyed the book and the message of courage was well-received. I can see How Big is Your Brave? becoming a favorite and being read over and over again in our home.

Discussion Questions about Courage and How Big is Your Brave?

I love reading to my kids. Not only do I realize that reading together is a key way to help my kids excel in life, I know that books have the ability to teach powerful lessons.

Meaningful discussion can bring those important lessons home.

Great conversation about books typically does two things. First, it helps kids understand the story better. Second, discussion connects the story to real life.

After reading How Big is Your Brave? together, we talked for a few minutes about the story. Over dinner that night, some questions about the book and courage led to a meaningful family conversation.

Here are some questions you could consider discussing with your kids.

Questions for Understanding How Big Is your Brave?

• What is Zippy’s big dream?
• Why is Zippy afraid to go to space camp?
• How does Zippy overcome her fear of going to space camp?
• What happens to Zippy’s rocket? How does she feel about that?
• What does Zippy do when she feels discouraged?
• How do Zippy’s and her brother Gus get along?
• What happens in the end of the story?

Questions for Deepening and Connecting to the Message of Courage

• What did you like about the story?
• Do you have a big dream like Zippy? What do you want to be when you grow up?
• What scares you about your big dream or goals? Do you have other fears you face in life?
• Zippy’s grandma said, “Your why must be bigger than your fear.” What does that mean?
• What is one action you could take even though you feel scared?
• Zippy starts a club to help her be accountable for learning about space. How can you have accountability for reaching your goals?
• Have you ever felt discouraged or like you had failed at something? What does Zippy do when she feels that way? How can you do that too?
• What do you think is the main message of How Big is Your Brave? Is that message important to you? Why?

10 Activities about Courage and How Big is Your Brave?

Beyond meaningful conversation, there are countless other ways to extend the message of courage. These activities could be done with a home preschool group, early elementary class, or family.

Some of the ideas relate to the story specifically and others further teach our kids how to be brave. The first two we’ve already covered, so read on!

1. Read How Big is Your Brave? Together and Other Books about Courage

This new children’s book about courage is now available!

Read another book about courage together and compare how people build bravery. Some other recommendations include Back of the Bus by Aaron Reynolds, Brave Irene: A Picture Book by William Steig, and Brave by Stacy McAnulty.

Some good read-aloud books about courage for older kids include Number the Stars by Louis Lowry, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia) by C.S. Lewis, and Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.

In fact, when you’re looking for them, you will find elements of courage or bravery in nearly every hero story!

2. Discuss Courage

Use the questions above to foster a meaningful discussion about courage. Keep thoughts flowing by really listening to your kids and asking follow-up questions. Additionally, encourage your children to share times when they were brave.

3. Make a Rocket that Launches

This is up on my list. I think my older kids will love experimenting with different ways to make rockets. I plan on letting my 8, 10, and 12 year-olds decide which type we make and work out the details for themselves. My preschooler and toddler will follow their lead. Here are some ideas if they need them to get started: rocket from vinegar and baking soda, rocket with rubber band launcher, rocket with air pressure launcher.

4. Share Personal Stories of Courage

Kids love true stories.

In fact, telling true family stories is a really powerful way to connect with our kids. So, tell about a time you faced a fear or felt like a failure. Do you have a relative that showed courage? If you can’t think of any, my older kids really connected with Ruth Soukup’s personal journey of facing fears and overcoming failures.

Related: A Small Island, A Young Boy, and the Power of Stories

5. Create a Vision Board

Have each child choose a goal or big dream. Using a poster board or large piece of paper, create a vision board about that goal. Cut pictures from magazines or newspapers, write words, draw pictures, find stickers, or attach other objects about the goal. Put the vision board in your bedroom in order to remind and inspire you about your big dream.

6. Make a Planet Craft Or Play Outer Space Games

Zippy’s big dream is to go to outer space. My kids noted, “At some time in life, every kid wants to be an astronaut!” Space represents a big dream for many.

Make a planet craft as you think about what your big dreams are.

Additionally, you could play outer space BINGO or check-out this preschool lesson all about planets and outer space. It’s packed with more books, songs, and activities about space.

7. Keep a Courage Journal

Get a journal or notebook. Encourage kids to write down their goals, when they feel scared, or how they face their challenges. Writing is therapeutic, and whether it’s long-winded or simple drawings, putting thoughts down on paper is helpful. Additionally, it’s fun to include photos or other momentos when they are available.

8. Find Accountability Partners

What is your big dream or goal? Who can help you reach that goal? Brainstorm people that have similar goals, have done it before, or love you so much that they are interested in your goals, whatever they are. Consider friends, siblings, and especially parents. Is there a club at school or a team you could join? Make a plan to meet with these people, and do it!

9. Role Play Courage Scenarios

Sometimes what we need is practice in order to succeed. Role playing can be a really effective way to get that practice. Younger kids usually respond well to a formal type of role play. Consider brainstorming scenarios when courage is needed and then role playing those scenarios together. For older kids, it might be more beneficial to wait until a situation arises that requires courage. Then we can discuss what needs to be done or said and ask, “Would you like to practice that?”

10. Check Out the Do It Scared for Kids Activities

Ruth Soukup is truly a professional when it comes to helping people overcome their fears. This is her first product for kids and the team seems to have done it well! In the Do It Scared section for kids, they have a curriculum guide, activity kit, and narrated video that will extend the learning and engagement for your kids.

Teaching Kids about Courage

Take a minute to look back at your own life. Where there times when you pushed past a fear? When you moved forward even though you were uncomfortable, knowing the reward was worth it? I know that for me and others I respect, these moments of courage were defining. They brought about great good for our lives.

It’s the same for our kids.

The ability to act with courage, whether it is to reach a dream or stand for a belief, will deepen our children’s lives. It is certainly worth our efforts to help our kids cultivate courage.

I encourage you to choose one way to help your children develop courage today.

Perhaps sharing a personal story or one of the other extension activities feels good for your family. If you have a child between the ages of four and eight, I’d highly recommend reading together How Big Is Your Brave? by Ruth Soukup.

Perhaps most importantly, think about how you can show courage in your own life. Allow your kids to see you acting even when you feel scared or face failure. Remember, we teach what we are, so ask yourself, “How big is my brave?”

Have you read “How Big is Your Brave?” How did your kids like it? What have you done to help your kids develop courage? Please share in the comments!

Do you want more posts like this? Check out these Preschool Ideas or Activities for Kids.

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