Lit Lorie Loves – Courage in Picture Books

Lit Lorie Loves

The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein 

Abelardo defies his father's instructions and sets out to free a whale caught in their tangled fishing net.  

Lit Lorie Loves

Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig 

Camila is filled with worry and fear, but when she hides during a class field trip to the aquarium, she finds a classmate who is also afraid and needs a friend.  

Lit Lorie Loves

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson 

"There are lots of reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from. Maybe it's what you eat or something just random. Whatever it is, it's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody knows you, but somehow you do it. Jacqueline Woodson's ... text and Rafael López's ... art celebrate the bravery it takes to go forth even when you feel like an outsider"--Dust jacket flap.

Lit Lorie Loves

Don’t Worry, Murray by David Ezra Stein 

Murray worries...about lots of things. He doesn't want to go out in the rain. He's scared of the barking dogs at the park. Fireworks make him jump. But gradually he learns that he can put on a raincoat. He can make new friends. He can be brave."-- Provided by publisher.   

Lit Lorie Loves

Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle 

Follows a girl in the 1920s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there has never been a female drummer in Cuba. Includes note about Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, who inspired the story, and Anacaona, the all-girl dance band she formed with her sisters.

Lit Lorie Loves

I Am Courage by Susan Verde 

Celebrates everyday courage, including believing in ourselves, speaking out, trying new things, asking for help, and getting back up no matter how many times we may fall. Includes information on how to let go of fear by practicing yoga poses and mindful breathing exercises.  

Lit Lorie Loves

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall 

Jabari is ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swimming test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can't help but root for."--Amazon.com 

Lit Lorie Loves

Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson 

Under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, children and teenagers march against segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963.  

Lit Lorie Loves

Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival 

Meesha loves making things but struggles to make friends until her mother takes her to a party where she meets Josh, a boy who wants to make friends, too.  

Lit Lorie Loves

Off & Away by Cale Atkinson 

Jo fears what lives in the ocean but when her father is too ill to deliver messages in bottles, she courageously takes on the job, making new friends along the way.  

Lit Lorie Loves

Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa 

Punky loves to do a lot of things--except meeting new friends. She doesn't feel brave enough. So, when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother's magical sunglasses, and with a lot of alohas in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time"-- Provided by publisher

Lit Lorie Loves

 Say Something! By Peter H. Reynolds 

The world needs your voice. Say something with your words. With your art. With your music. With your poetry. With your courage. Or simply with your presence. From the ... creator of The Word Collector and The Dot comes a magical exploration of the ways that a single voice can make a difference"--Dust jacket flap.  

Lit Lorie Loves

Today I’m Strong by Nadiya Hussain 

Most days, this little girl loves to go to school and play with her friends. But sometimes the schoolyard can feel like a battleground where she must dodge mean words from a bully. Luckily, she always has her steadfast tiger by her side -- even if she's the only one who can see it. With the reminder that strength comes from within, she digs deep to believe in herself, no matter what anyone else says."-- Front jacket flap.

Lit Lorie Loves

The Very Last Castle by Travis Jonker 

Ibb, curious about the lone castle in her town, forms a long-distant friendship with the guard and, despite warnings there is something fearful inside, accepts his invitation to enter.

Lit Lorie Loves

When You Are Brave by Pat Zietlow Miller 

Relates how to find your courage and use it when life seems frightening, or you start something new.

Lit Lorie Loves

What Do You Do with A Problem? By Kobi Yamada 

What do you do with a problem? Especially one that follows you around and doesn't seem to be going away? Do you worry about it? Ignore it? Do you run and hide from it? This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn't so sure what to make of it"--Dust jacket flap.