What does it really mean to be brave? Is your child afraid to try new things? Do they cave to peer pressure or think being brave means being reckless? "I Am Not Brave" by Jon Madian flips the script on courage, teaching children that real bravery sometimes means saying "no" and listening to your gut because fear can be your friend.
This isn't your typical "face your fears" children's book. Instead, it offers a refreshing take that will have both you and your child rethinking the heart of courage.
| Book Details Title: I Am Not Brave Author: Jon S. Madian Ages: 5-9 years Reading Level: Ages 5-9 Theme: Social-Emotional Learning, Bravery, Fear Management Format: Picture book with dialogue Best For: Home or classroom reading, discussions, bedtime conversations Series: Part of the social-emotional learning development series |
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Set in a quiet forest and brought to life through gentle dialogue, this story follows a tender conversation between Rabbit and Donkey as they unpack fear, courage, and how to make wise choices. Perfect for classrooms, libraries, learning centers, or home, this book opens the door to important social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons that last a lifetime.
Research Based
The Heart Bright Learning educational resources evolved from 7 years of generous Research and Development funding from the Los Angeles Unified School District, the U.S. Department of Education, and several foundations. Our literature-based approach, which inspires imagination, exploration, and self-expression through structured practice, was studied by several outside evaluators. In all cases, these evaluations demonstrated significant growth in listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills among both challenged and gifted students from a diverse range of cultural and language backgrounds.
About the Book
In I Am Not Brave, Rabbit shares a quiet moment with her friend Donkey and admits something she’s never said out loud: “I’m always afraid.”
What follows is a gentle, thoughtful conversation between two friends. Together, they explore what it means to feel scared, how to stay safe, and how making good choices—even when others don’t understand—can be the bravest thing of all.
Rather than portraying bravery as bold or reckless, the story shows that true courage often means listening to your fears, thinking things through, and staying true to yourself. It’s a message that resonates deeply with children and gives adults a natural, meaningful way to talk about fear, peer pressure, and emotional strength.
This fable can be read as a standalone or as part of a growing series of books supporting social-emotional development through storytelling.
Social-Emotional Learning: Bravery, Redefined
Many children — and adults — equate bravery with recklessness or daring acts. But I Am Not Brave gently shifts that narrative.
Through Donkey’s kind, listening presence, children learn:
That feeling afraid is natural, and even wise
That peer pressure doesn’t define courage
That bravery can mean saying no, walking away, or choosing safety over risk
That being honest about your feelings is a brave act in itself
This message is especially valuable in classroom settings, where children often compare themselves to others. The story invites discussion about self-awareness, empathy, and standing firm in what feels right — even when others don’t understand.
Stop and Talk: Prompts for Classroom and Family Discussions
This story covers thoughtful questions for educators and parents to stop and discuss with children during the story to explore important social-emotional concepts:
Is it hard to tell anyone about things you are afraid of?
What do we think it means to be brave?
Have you had a conversation with a friend that has helped you with a problem?
These questions create space for emotional honesty, peer learning, and self-reflection. They build empathy—a key ingredient in every healthy classroom or home.
Discussion prompts are included throughout the Stop&Talk version of the book to deepen understanding and encourage meaningful conversations about courage, friendship, and emotional intelligence.
How to Use This Book in Class or at Home
Teachers and caregivers can use I Am Not Brave in:
SEL-themed story circles
Reading comprehension lessons focused on character dialogue
Creative journaling or drawing activities (e.g., “Draw what bravery looks like to you”)
Roleplay scenarios on peer pressure, empathy, or fear
Additional extension activities can be found here
At home, this book can open meaningful conversations during bedtime or help children prepare for new or scary situations — like trying something new or handling a conflict.
Help a Child Discover What Bravery Really Means
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian, I Am Not Brave is a heartfelt addition to any SEL library. It’s a book that helps children see themselves with compassion, and understand bravery not as boldness, but as wisdom.
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