Courage

When I think of examples of courage, only a few things come to my mind. Waber listed all kinds of courage...even for dogs! Everyone must have experienced one in the book. I really enjoyed it because I could relate to many pages of the book. Waber did a good job to show that courage is never too small or silly. And I loved the last line- courage is what we give to each other. It's so true~

As Maya Angelou has said "One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential." If you agree with this philosophy, then you realize that courage, as character, must be fostered and developed. Bernard Waber's book works so well because it shows young readers the many faces of courage. There are the obvious kinds -firefighters entering a burning building, mountain climbers scaling the heights - involving people and actions which youngsters find heroic, larger than life-size. But children will realize, thanks to this insightful book, that ordinary, everday actions also require courage, whether it's breaking bad habits, holding on to your dreams, or being the first to apologize after an argument. Even acts of common courtesy may display courage in action. This book encourages youngsters to go on in the face of adversity and feel good about themselves for doing so. It should serve as an excellent starting point for parents to discuss this important topic with their children. [...] To paraphrase Maya Angelou once more, "Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." Those who read Courage will undoubtedly agree.

A friend in Maine showed me this book, which she'd just bought for all her grandchildren and children, when I was visiting her last week. I promptly ordered one for each of my adult children to give them next Christmas.It's a honey of a book, detailing courage in all its permutations. Written as a children's book, it could leap the gap (like Pooh, and Where the Wild Things Are, and many of Dr. Seuss' books) into classic adult enjoyment status.Give it a try.

As Bernard Waber tells us on the first few pages of this sweet and engaging little book... "There are many kinds of courage. Awesome kinds. And everyday kinds. Still, courage is courage-whatever kind..." You don't have to have a dangerous job, like a firefighter or policeman to be courageous, and you don't have to climb Mt Everest, or fly into outer space, or explore the depths of the ocean. We all show how brave we are in special ways, every day. Courage is taking off the training wheels and finally learning to ride your bike, going to bed without a nightlight, and being the first to make up after an argument. Courage is getting a new haircut, never telling a secret entrusted to only you, and walking right up to the new kid and introducing yourself. You're courageous if you taste the new vegetable first before you make a disgusting face, or if you read the whole mystery without turning to the last page to see who did it. And sometimes it takes courage to start all over again, or hold on to your dream.....Mr Waber's simple, clever text is enhanced by his playful and humorous artwork, and youngsters are sure to see both the truth and a little of themselves on each page. Perfect for kids 4-8, Courage is a heartwarming and utterly charming book, sometimes poignant, often uplifting, but always stated in a positive way, that should get little ones thinking and open interesting discussions. "Courage is what we give to each other."

My seven year old son received this book upon entering his third different school in three years. This book has been a valuable asset in teaching him to believe in himself and try something new. It addresses the little things that as adults we tend to forget were tramatic to children. I have given this book as gifts and have had very positive feedback. My son's school used this book as a basis for second graders to create thier own "books" about what courage is to them. I recommend it highly for confident children and those that could use a little additional reinforcment. A great "you did it!" gift.