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Thursday, January 31, 2019

When You Are Brave, written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2019. $23.49 ages 4 and up

"At times like these,
the world can seem ...
Too big,
Too loud.
Too hard.
Too much.

While you feel ...
Too small.
Too quiet.
Too tired.
Not enough."

You can absolutely feel the sadness and apprehension of the young daughter as the family packs their car and trailer with all of their belongings before setting our on a move to another community. The pregnant mother waves a fond goodbye as the dad and a neighbor add the final furnishings to the car's roof. The sun is rising.

After a quiet look at her empty bedroom, she carries a box packed with personal treasures out to the car. They wave goodbye to neighbors and friends. Bravery comes in many forms; this little girl would rather not be moving. Poring over a photo album, while sitting in the back seat surrounded by her favorite stuffed animals, reminds her that there have been other times when she needed to be brave. Looking out the car's window reminds her that there are scary things out there. Can she find the strength she this time?

"On those days, look deep inside to find the courage you need.
It might be hidden away, but ...
If you close your eyes and
breathe, you will see it  -
shining its light in the dark.
Warm. Steady. Safe.
Your light might be small to start - just a
spark - but you can turn it into a flame." 

What a lovely affirmation for all the emotions the young girl is experiencing on this trip to a new home, a new life, a new reality!

Eliza Wheeler uses India ink, watercolors, colored pastel crayons, and acrylic paint to build gorgeous panoramas that reflect every mile of the journey made. Her color palette changes with the little girl's concerns, and guarantees that a young audience will be captivated by the images. Lovely!

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