The best picture books on how to live courageously

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since I can remember, I have observed people. I was curious about why people are the way they are, and why do some people have fulfilling lives while others don’t. Something I have learned over the years is meaningful actions require courage first. This world certainly needs people who will live courageously in their day-to-day lives by being authentic, speaking up, being kind, lending a hand, and becoming the best versions of ourselves. When we set the example, it gives others hope that they can also be courageous. I hope you choose to live courageously!


I wrote...

The Little Shot: Courage

By Tasha Eizinger, Miranda Meeks (illustrator),

Book cover of The Little Shot: Courage

What is my book about?

Little Shot is a star with a nearly impossible dream! She wants to become a Big Shot, a shooting star, to give hope to the people below. Initially, she experiences both ridicule from her peers, who don’t share her vision, and setbacks when she seemingly fails at first. However, with her mentor's guidance and a courageous spirit, she perseveres until she achieves her big dream.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Magical Yet

Tasha Eizinger Why did I love this book?

We talk a lot about our word choices and mindset in my home. When my older daughter was learning something new, she would say, “I can’t do this!” We talked about how she was learning, and she’s capable of learning. Her kindergarten teacher then taught my daughter “you don’t know how… yet!” Yet is a power-packed word because it radiates hope which leads to courageous action. This book exemplifies the power of yet so well that I had to share with you. The ending sweetly reminds us that our yet goes with us.

By Angela DiTerlizzi, Lorena Alvarez (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Magical Yet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

A rollicking, rhyming, and inspirational picture book for fans of Oh, the Places You'll Go! andevery child who is frustrated by what they can't do...YET!

Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion—the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out.

The Magical Yet is the perfect tool for parents and educators to turn a negative into a positive when helping children cope with the inevitable difficult learning moments we all face. Whether a child or an adult,…


Book cover of A Little SPOT of Courage: A Story About Being Brave

Tasha Eizinger Why did I love this book?

I like the practical, straightforward explanations of courage in this book! Kids can realize ways they are already courageous and expand on them. 

The courage cards throughout the story remind me of something I did during a low point in my life. I wrote down examples to prove to myself that I am enough.

Writing down what we have done well helps connect our thoughts and our heart. I believe it helps boost our self-esteem when we have practical examples of things we have done well. You could do courage cards like the story or any type of card that boosts your morale.

By Diane Alber,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Little SPOT of Courage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What is courage? You might think of super hero when you hear COURAGE, but all of us can do small and big acts of COURAGE everyday! A Little SPOT of Courage will show you some ways you can grow your COURAGE SPOT From trying out for a basketball team to helping someone when they are being treated unkind too much more!


Book cover of Back of the Bus

Tasha Eizinger Why did I love this book?

My daughter and I read this book together which started a conversation about Rosa Parks, racism, and courage. We liked reading from a child’s perspective because it evoked deeper emotions and made it more relatable to my daughter. The ending beautifully articulated how our courage gives others hope that they can also be courageous. 

By Aaron Reynolds, Floyd Cooper (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Back of the Bus as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

It seems like any other winter day in Montgomery, Alabama. Mama and child are riding where they're supposed to--way in the back of the bus. The boy passes the time by watching his marble roll up and down the aisle with the motion of the bus, until from way up front a big commotion breaks out. He can't see what's going on, but he can see the policeman arrive outside and he can see Mama's chin grow strong. "There you go, Rosa Parks," she says, "stirrin' up a nest of hornets. Tomorrow all this'll be forgot." But they both know…


Book cover of I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience

Tasha Eizinger Why did I love this book?

It is powerful to take “I can’t” and turn it into “I can.” There are so many things we all can’t do because of a lack of resources, skills, time, or desire. But, if we focus on what we can do, we can still make progress. Even as an adult, I love reading picture books like this as a gentle reminder to keep going, keep trying, and keep living courageously. 

By Susan Verde, Peter H. Reynolds (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Am Courage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Encourage kids to find their inner strength with this companion to the New York Times bestsellers I Am Human and I Am Love!

I move ahead one breath at a time.
I act with bravery.
I am courage.

When we picture someone brave, we might think they're fearless but real courage comes from feeling scared and facing what challenges us anyway. When our minds tell us "I can't," we can look inside ourselves and find the strength to say, "Yes, I CAN!"

From the New York Times bestselling team behind the I Am series comes a triumphant celebration of everyday…


Book cover of The Lion Inside

Tasha Eizinger Why did I love this book?

My 18-month-old and I read this together. She loved saying “roar” whenever she saw the lion. Of course, she made me smile, but I also loved that she was hearing the message. She isn’t old enough to understand it yet, but my older daughter got it. We all have the mouse and the lion inside and that’s okay! Courage isn’t loud and bold; often, it’s found in the small moments. 

By Rachel Bright, Jim Field (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Lion Inside as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

A bestselling story about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar.

In a dry dusty place where the sand sparkled gold, stood a mighty flat rock, all craggy and old. And under that rock in a tinyful house, lived the littlest, quietest, meekest brown mouse.

Fed up of being ignored by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes ... and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion!

A modern classic, The…


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Saving Raine

By Marian L Thomas,

Book cover of Saving Raine

Marian L Thomas

New book alert!

What is my book about?

Saving Raine is a captivating tale of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of love, penned by the acclaimed author Marian L. Thomas.

This contemporary fiction novel chronicles the compelling journey of Raine Reynolds as she confronts heartache, betrayal, and loss. Against the vibrant backdrops of Atlanta and Paris, Raine's story unfolds as she grapples with the aftermath of her husband's infidelity and tragic passing.

Through poignant prose and compelling characters, "Saving Raine" delves into themes of forgiveness, healing, and the strength discovered in confronting life's greatest challenges. Readers will be captivated by Raine's emotional odyssey as she unearths hope, redemption, and the courage to embrace a brighter future.

Saving Raine

By Marian L Thomas,

What is this book about?

Raine Reynolds stands at the crossroads of despair and opportunity.
 
When the life you've built crumbles and the past refuses to release its grip, sometimes you need a fresh start-a new beginning that promises hope and redemption.
 
Once a celebrated author, Raine's life unraveled, sending her fleeing to the picturesque streets of Paris to escape the tormenting heartache that threatened to consume her. Yet, no matter how far she traveled, the pain remained her unwelcome companion.
 
Returning to bustling Atlanta as a senior VP for an ad agency, Raine is forced to confront a city steeped in…


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