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.

"A boon to uncertain youngsters everywhere." – Kirkus Reviews
© Magnus Aronson
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
“Our unsure protagonist encounters another girl, a bold youngster who invites her to embark her on an adventure. First, they must climb a hill. The not-so-brave girl has a list of excuses why she can’t, but her new friend offers some gentle words of wisdom... Budde, who knows something about bravery herself, narrates this fablelike tale with a gently guiding tone that rings true. Notably, she stresses that being courageous is a work in progress: 'I think we’re all learning to be brave all the time.' Hatam’s illustrations depict sweet-faced, cartoonish characters against collage-style backdrops that pop with tactile textures... A boon to uncertain youngsters everywhere." – Kirkus Reviews

About

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.

"A boon to uncertain youngsters everywhere." – Kirkus Reviews

Author

© Magnus Aronson
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

Praise

“Our unsure protagonist encounters another girl, a bold youngster who invites her to embark her on an adventure. First, they must climb a hill. The not-so-brave girl has a list of excuses why she can’t, but her new friend offers some gentle words of wisdom... Budde, who knows something about bravery herself, narrates this fablelike tale with a gently guiding tone that rings true. Notably, she stresses that being courageous is a work in progress: 'I think we’re all learning to be brave all the time.' Hatam’s illustrations depict sweet-faced, cartoonish characters against collage-style backdrops that pop with tactile textures... A boon to uncertain youngsters everywhere." – Kirkus Reviews

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

Read more

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

Read more