Brave in Every Which Way (Maddy Mara, illus Lauren Degraaf, Affirm)

Brave in Every Which Way by Maddy Mara (aka Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger, who also produced Itty Bitty Kitty and The Greatest Mistakes That Went Right under this same pseudonym) boasts a sing-song text that guides readers through the different ways you can be brave and independent, including saying sorry, admitting mistakes, trying new foods, befriending the new kid, embracing individuality, and asking for help when things feel hard. The authors have once again created a narrative that shines with hope and encouragement, with its meticulous rhyming making the read-aloud experience a true delight for families or classrooms. The flowing rhythm invites readers aged 5+ to recognise that they are already brave in many small, everyday ways, saying, ‘There’s a place for big thrills if that’s what fulfils, but courage can often start small.’ Lauren Degraaf’s illustration style is dreamy and timeless, blending traditional charm with a fresh aesthetic, including rich detail and diversity in the children represented. Degraaf balances the calm focus of white space and smaller illustrations with full-page spreads that burst with colour and immerse readers in a vibrant world. Brave in Every Which Way encourages children to explore the meaning of bravery and reflect on how they can be more courageous in their own lives.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Brenton Cullen is an emerging children's author and freelance writer of articles, reviews and interviews when not working part-time in a bookshop. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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