Courage Here, Courage There

Title of Picture Book: Courage

Author & Illustrator: Bernard Waber

Original Publisher & Date: Walter Lorraine Books, 2002

Summary: This book begins, “There are many kinds of courage.” Then goes on to cleverly illustrate a dozen or so contexts in which courage is called for, each with a caption “Courage is…. You’ll find everything from a roller coaster ride to a blade of grass breaking through snow. 

Here are a few more:

My favorite illustration is below. The caption reads, “Courage is holding onto your dream.”

Hanna’s Comments: I’m a strong advocate of building resilience in children and in adults. It’s good for everyone, including the church as a whole, when we are able to withstand the harsh realities of our world. Likewise, programs and conversations that help children, their parents, and other adults identify where they have already demonstrated courage and where they might need it in the future offers valuable hindsight and foresight. These give evidence of and empowerment for courage. Then offering an opportunity to see how our faith and the presence of God can be called upon at such times is so valuable. An added benefit is the authentic bonding that may occur across members of your faith community that may lead to informal mentoring relationships.  

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a bibliotherapy session with a child or adult client who is struggling with anxiety or fear issues. Use this book in a Sunday School lesson on courage or about Bible characters who showed courage.

Scripture Connections: from The Message paraphrase: Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: None at present