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I Am Not Brave

I Am Not Brave

$7.99 USD
$7.99 USD
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Courage takes on new meaning for young hearts through this gentle storytelling experience that speaks directly to children's fears and anxieties. This enchanting tale follows Rabbit and Donkey's tender conversation about what it truly means to be brave, teaching kids ages 5-9 that real courage often means listening to your instincts, making smart choices, and staying true to yourself—even when others don't understand.

The beautifully narrated audio brings each character to life with warmth and authenticity. Perfect for bedtime stories, car rides, or quiet moments, this digital edition combines visual
storytelling with professional narration to create an immersive experience.

Children will connect deeply with Rabbit's honest admission that he's "always afraid," discovering that bravery isn't about being fearless—it's about being wise. This social-emotional learning gem helps families discuss fear, peer pressure, and emotional intelligence in ways that build confidence and self-awareness.

Get the complete experience with this collection that includes every format for maximum flexibility and value. This collection features the narrated e-book for immersive listening, the interactive Stop and Talk edition for guided discussions, and the printed format for traditional reading—giving families and educators every tool needed to explore this important story about courage and emotional wisdom in whatever way works best.

Perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to maximize learning opportunities, this bundle ensures you're prepared for any situation—from bedtime stories and car rides
to classroom discussions and independent reading time. With professional narration, thoughtful discussion prompts, and beautiful printed pages, this complete collection provides exceptional value while supporting children's social-emotional development through multiple engaging approaches to this transformative story about what it truly means to be brave.

Characters and Voices

Professional narration brings Rabbit and Donkey to life with warm, authentic character voices.

What you learn?

Children discover that true bravery means making wise choices and listening to their instincts.

Shipping

Digital products are delivered instantly via email after purchase confirmation.

Return policy

Full refund within 30 days if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase.

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Many children — and adults — equate bravery with recklessness or daring acts. ‘I Am Not Brave’ gently shifts that narrative.

  • Social-Emotional Learning

    Builds emotional intelligence and self-awareness through gentle storytelling

  • Interactive Discussions

    Includes thoughtful prompts that create meaningful conversations between children and adults.

  • Multi-Format Access

    Available as narrated audio, interactive edition, and traditional print for flexible learning.

  • Expert Developed

    Created by education specialist with 100+ literacy programs and proven classroom success.

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Book Details

  • Title: I Am Not Brave
  • Author: Jon Madian
  • Ages: 5-9 years
  • Reading Level: 5-9 years
  • 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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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. 

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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.

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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.

Social
Emotional
Learning

The story invites discussion about self-awareness, empathy, and standing firm in what feels right — even when others don’t understand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is this book suitable for?

This book is generally recommended for young readers ages 5–9, but it can be enjoyed by older children as well. The themes are universal and can support early emotional learning at home or in school.

How does this book support social-emotional learning (SEL)?

The story introduces key SEL concepts such as understanding emotions, making thoughtful choices, developing empathy, and building self-awareness. It encourages children to reflect on their feelings and discuss them openly.

Can this book be used in classrooms or group settings?

Yes. The book is designed for both individual reading and group activities. Teachers and facilitators can use the story to spark discussions, activities, and reflections based on SEL topics featured in the book.

Do I need prior SEL knowledge to guide my child through this book?

No prior knowledge is required. The story is written in a simple and approachable way. Parents, caregivers, and educators can naturally guide children by asking open-ended questions and encouraging conversation.

Are there any activities or discussion prompts included?

All SEL books in our collection(stop & talk versions) include prompts or questions at key parts in between as well as the end of the story. These help deepen understanding and encourage children to relate the story to their own

How can I make the most out of this book for my child?

Take time to read together, pause during key moments, and ask how the characters might be feeling. Encourage your child to share similar experiences, talk about emotions, and explore positive ways of handling challenging situations.

What Parents and Teachers Are Saying

"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Mrs. Thompson
Mrs. Thompson
1st grade teacher
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Mike T.
Mike T.
Father of 6-year-old
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Ms. Rodriguez
Ms. Rodriguez
Kindergarten Teacher
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Sarah M.
Sarah M.
Homeschooling Mom

Other Books to Explore

Jon Madian

About the Author

Jon Madian

Jon, an educational psychologist, and his wife, Karen, an instructional designer, received numerous grants to support learner-centered education throughout their careers. He founded the Artist-in-Residence Reading Project in Los Angeles’s inner-city schools and later co-founded Humanities Software with Karen. Their early literacy curriculum became part of Apple’s early learning initiatives and IBM’s writing programs.  Over the course of their careers, Jon and Karen developed more than 100 reading, writing, and process-based programs for print and software, consistently focusing on empowering and inspiring students in educational settings.   Their 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild continue to fuel their commitment to enriching education. Today, through Heart Bright Learning, they are helping parents and teachers reimagine education for the 21st century by developing resources that inspire and empower children to understand themselves, others, and their world through observation, reflection, and process-based learning.