"It suddenly occurred to Sheila Rae that nothing looked familiar." ~Kevin Henkes, author of Sheila Rae, The Brave
I think we all can relate to this quote these days! As soon as we become parents, we plunge into unknown territory, don't we? And with the direction the world (online and offline) is going in lately, is there anyone who doesn't feel a little lost sometimes? I know I do.
There will always be people who appear to always have it all together. They're always confident and always brave. We wonder how they do it! What's their secret?
Well, that's where Sheila Rae comes in. She's one of those people (well, in this case a mouse) who appears to be confident and fearless in every way - every day! Well, at least in the eyes of her adoring younger sister, Louise.
Is the Sheila Rae you see on the outside a true reflection of the mouse she is on the inside? Does she never have doubts? Does she ALWAYS think brave thoughts? You'll have to read Sheila Rae, the Brave
I'll give you a hint though: in a world where people define bravery in terms of black and white, Kevin Henkes helps us to see it in color. His words and intricately beautiful illustrations say it all.
Young children often have a hard time understanding what true bravery is. Many adults don't either, for that matter! So, what a great way to start off a discussion or an in depth exploration of this character trait.
While Sheila Rae, the Brave seems to be perfect for children between the ages of 4 and 8, it's just one of those books that people of every age will enjoy and learn from.
Please note Sheila Rae, the Brave is an extremely thought-provoking book for a young child, and there are many examples of unacceptable, show-off behavior on the part of Sheila Rae. Some parents may be turned off by her behavior, but I feel a lot can be learned from negative behavior on the part of book characters. Children's books can open doors to communication, if we let them.
Here are some important questions you may want to discuss with your little one after reading this book:
- Can fear be a good thing sometimes?
- How should we act when approached by a stray animal or dog? How can we be brave, and stay safe at the same time?
- Is it brave to tie someone up with a rope during recess? Why not? What could Sheila Rae have done instead (to get her jump rope back)?
- Why did Louise cover her eyes when Sheila Rae rode her bicycle? Was she riding it safely? Is it okay for children to put themselves in danger to act brave? When is it okay for adults to do so?
- How would you feel if someone called you a "scaredy-cat?" Is it brave to call someone names?
- Do you have to be a show-off to be brave? Is it more important to be brave on the inside, or the outside?
- Are we brave when we damage trees, or our planet?
- How was Sheila Rae brave? How was she not brave? What would you have done differently?
- What does bravery mean to you?
- How have you been brave?
- Who do you think is brave?
Bravery comes in many forms, and young children first need to understand the small ways people can be brave every day. I think this book offers a nice introduction to the concept, but it's one which really needs to be discussed.
There are many other picture books which address bravery in many different ways. I'll add some in the near future, but feel free to mention any others that come to mind.
In the meantime, I'm sure you've been brave in many ways throughout your lifetime. Why not think about some of them? You could even write them down. It might be just what you need to navigate your way through any unfamiliar territory!
