‘How Big is Your Brave?’ Reaches For The Stars And Grabs Them

If you have little people ages 4 through 8, and indeed you yourself are still little at heart, you’ll appreciate this timeless, yet timely tale of dreaming big, never giving up and finding that your brave is greater than your fears, in How Big is Your Brave? by New York Times bestselling author Ruth Soukup.

Soukup’s empowering picture book for young girls and boys highlights some valuable life lessons that never go out of style, such as knowing you have a choice about how you react to life’s challenges, taking action even when you’re afraid and the value of sibling friendship.

What I liked about this children’s book is that it broaches these life lessons in an age-appropriate way, yet it’s still entertaining for young readers and little listeners of bedtime stories.

Soukup’s empowering picture book for young girls and boys highlights some valuable life lessons that never go out of style, such as knowing you have a choice about how you react to life’s challenges, taking action even when you’re afraid and the value of sibling friendship.

The story opens as Zippy, a young bunny rabbit, looks up into the starry night sky and wishes she could hop in a rocket and blast off into space.

Her brother Gus, on the other hand, is perfectly happy right where he is, tending his bountiful vegetable garden.

But he encourages his sister to follow her dreams and attend the local Space Camp in town, even though she’s scared she won’t measure up to the other kids.

Then Zippy remembers something her grandmother used to say: “Your why must be bigger than your fear.”

So with that, this plucky little rabbit sets off to face her fear, along the way learning that sometimes things happen in life and all you can do is choose how you react.

As Zippy’s Dad tells her: “Bad things happen sometimes, and when they happen to you, only you can decide how to react. You can choose to give up or choose to keep going. It’s all up to you.”

Apart from covering some key life lessons that young kids can understand, How Big is You Brave? can also provide a jumping off point for talking about STEM-related education, as Zippy pursues her dream of becoming an astronaut.

Illustrator Alison Friend does a beautiful job of bringing sweet Zippy and her brother to life.

Ruth Soukup is founder of the Do It Scared podcast and also author of Do It Scared: Finding the Courage to Face Your Fears, Overcome Adversity, and Create a Life You Love, which was the inspiration for this children’s book.

Next month, look for a review of But Where Do I Put The Couch?: And Answers to 100 Other Home Decorating Questions by Melissa Michaels and KariAnne Wood.

Disclosure: I received an advance copy of How Big is Your Brave? in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion of this motivational book!