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I Can Learn to Be Brave

Author Mariann Edgar Budde On Tour
Illustrated by Holly Hatam
Ebook
Penguin Young Readers | Flamingo Books
On sale Jul 07, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9798217041923
Preschool - 3
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From the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde, comes a picture book that teaches the smallest readers that no voice is too quiet, no message too small, to have an impact on a friend.

There once was a girl who wished she was brave.
But mostly . . .
She was not.

A little girl is scared to try new things. New things are hard! What if she fails? What if someone sees her fail? She laments that she'd like to be brave, but how does she start when the world is so big and she is so small? 

Luckily, another very brave girl takes her under her wing and shows her how to be brave in those small decisive moments that children may not realize beckon bravery forward. Climbing a hill, using a rope swing, and finding the most beautiful sunset. For those little moments--Bishop Budde argues--are the ones that become the biggest lessons.

Inspired by her adult book How We Learn to Be Brave, Bishop Budde’s words can now be read and held close by readers of all ages. Children are never too young to learn that they can effect change, and this brilliant text, accompanied by gorgeous art by New York Times bestselling illustrator Holly Hatam, is one that will inspire generations to come.
© Steven Phillips/Washington National Cathedral
Mariann Edgar Budde is the bishop and spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Prior to her election in 2011, she was a parish priest in Minneapolis for eighteen years. She has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Meet the Press, Good Morning America, and the Today show, among others. Bishop Budde earned her master’s in divinity and doctor of ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary. View titles by Mariann Edgar Budde
© Holly Hatam
HOLLY HATAM is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal, along with a handful of other children's books. She illustrates in a whimsical, quirky mixed-media art style. In addition to children's books and graphic design, Holly's other passions include snuggling with her husband and son, spending time hugging trees, filling up her pantry with tea, and sticking her nose in a book. She and her family live in Ontario, Canada. Visit her at hollyhatam.com and @hollyhatamillustration. View titles by Holly Hatam

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From the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde, comes a picture book that teaches the smallest readers that no voice is too quiet, no message too small, to have an impact on a friend.

There once was a girl who wished she was brave.
But mostly . . .
She was not.

A little girl is scared to try new things. New things are hard! What if she fails? What if someone sees her fail? She laments that she'd like to be brave, but how does she start when the world is so big and she is so small? 

Luckily, another very brave girl takes her under her wing and shows her how to be brave in those small decisive moments that children may not realize beckon bravery forward. Climbing a hill, using a rope swing, and finding the most beautiful sunset. For those little moments--Bishop Budde argues--are the ones that become the biggest lessons.

Inspired by her adult book How We Learn to Be Brave, Bishop Budde’s words can now be read and held close by readers of all ages. Children are never too young to learn that they can effect change, and this brilliant text, accompanied by gorgeous art by New York Times bestselling illustrator Holly Hatam, is one that will inspire generations to come.

Author

© Steven Phillips/Washington National Cathedral
Mariann Edgar Budde is the bishop and spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Prior to her election in 2011, she was a parish priest in Minneapolis for eighteen years. She has appeared on PBS NewsHour, Meet the Press, Good Morning America, and the Today show, among others. Bishop Budde earned her master’s in divinity and doctor of ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary. View titles by Mariann Edgar Budde
© Holly Hatam
HOLLY HATAM is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal, along with a handful of other children's books. She illustrates in a whimsical, quirky mixed-media art style. In addition to children's books and graphic design, Holly's other passions include snuggling with her husband and son, spending time hugging trees, filling up her pantry with tea, and sticking her nose in a book. She and her family live in Ontario, Canada. Visit her at hollyhatam.com and @hollyhatamillustration. View titles by Holly Hatam

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