Courage, Every Day

by Wai Mei Wong, Kirsti Beautyman (Illustrator)

Overview

One girl's tummy flutters with butterflies.

"Have courage," says Papa. But, she wonders, what exactly is courage? Papa lets her know that courage is the big, heroic feats—as well as the smaller everyday choices we make. With comforting, lyrical text, this story shows young readers that they too can be courageous every single day. Backmatter includes a note for parents on helping children develop their own sense of courage.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781668945117
Publisher:	Tilbury House Publishers
Publication date:	09/15/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.00(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Wai Mei Wong is a former early childhood educator. Her previously authored works include I Love Myself (ORCA Book Publishers, 2024) and Hello, Dark (Pajama Press, 2021), which was shortlisted for the 2022 IODE Jean Throop Book Award and chosen for the 2022 CCBC Spring Best Book for Kids & Teens Selection. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.


Kirsti Beautyman is an author and illustrator from the North East of England—working from her studio nestled away on the outskirts of Newcastle. Kirsti predominantly uses a culmination of digital, dry, and wet media to create her illustrations… and is prone to leaving a vibrant jumbled mess in her wake.

Editorial Reviews

2024-07-19
Papa has many answers when a youngster asks, “What is courage?”

Tomorrow marks a momentous occasion for an East Asian–presenting child with pale skin and straight black hair: a musical performance in front of a crowd of people. “But there are thousands of butterflies fluttering in my tummy,” the child tells us. White-outlined butterflies surround the youngster. “I believe in you,” Papa says as he hands the protagonist a violin. “Have courage.” But what is courage? Papa catalogs many different types of bravery, from saving the day to making small but meaningful choices and speaking up for what’s right. Next, the protagonist reflects on “times that I chose not to give up. Times that I said sorry for my mistakes. Times that I shared my feelings.” At last, the child concludes that “I may still feel scared sometimes, but I will remember, I find courage, every day.” Butterflies—now in color—fill the air as the child plays the violin onstage the next day. Wong’s soothing text offers guidance on using self-talk to cope in the face of fear and anxiety. Delicate, charming artwork uses varied compositions and a warm palette to depict this father-and-child duo, while Beautyman’s swirly butterfly motif helps emphasize that courage can be found even in simple, quotidian moments. An author’s note explains to parents and teachers how to help children build resilience in the face of uncertainty.

A sweet, instructive look at everyday bravery.(Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews