Customer Reviews

Courage

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As Maya Angelou has said "One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential." If you agree with this philosophy, then you realize that courage, as character, must be fostered and developed.

Bernard Waber's book works so well because it shows young readers the many faces of courage. There are the obvious kinds -firefighters entering a burning building, mountain climbers scaling the heights - involving people and actions which youngsters find heroic, larger than life-size. But children will realize, thanks to this insightful book, that ordinary, everday actions also require courage, whether it's breaking bad habits, holding on to your dreams, or being the first to apologize after an argument. Even acts of common courtesy may display courage in action.

This book encourages youngsters to go on in the face of adversity and feel good about themselves for doing so. It should serve as an excellent starting point for parents to discuss this important topic with their children.

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To paraphrase Maya Angelou once more, "Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest."

Those who read Courage will undoubtedly agree.

A friend in Maine showed me this book, which she'd just bought for all her grandchildren and children, when I was visiting her last week. I promptly ordered one for each of my adult children to give them next Christmas.
It's a honey of a book, detailing courage in all its permutations. Written as a children's book, it could leap the gap (like Pooh, and Where the Wild Things Are, and many of Dr. Seuss' books) into classic adult enjoyment status.
Give it a try.

My seven year old son received this book upon entering his third different school in three years. This book has been a valuable asset in teaching him to believe in himself and try something new. It addresses the little things that as adults we tend to forget were tramatic to children. I have given this book as gifts and have had very positive feedback. My son's school used this book as a basis for second graders to create thier own "books" about what courage is to them. I recommend it highly for confident children and those that could use a little additional reinforcment. A great "you did it!" gift.

As Bernard Waber tells us on the first few pages of this sweet and engaging little book... "There are many kinds of courage. Awesome kinds. And everyday kinds. Still, courage is courage-whatever kind..." You don't have to have a dangerous job, like a firefighter or policeman to be courageous, and you don't have to climb Mt Everest, or fly into outer space, or explore the depths of the ocean. We all show how brave we are in special ways, every day. Courage is taking off the training wheels and finally learning to ride your bike, going to bed without a nightlight, and being the first to make up after an argument. Courage is getting a new haircut, never telling a secret entrusted to only you, and walking right up to the new kid and introducing yourself. You're courageous if you taste the new vegetable first before you make a disgusting face, or if you read the whole mystery without turning to the last page to see who did it. And sometimes it takes courage to start all over again, or hold on to your dream.....Mr Waber's simple, clever text is enhanced by his playful and humorous artwork, and youngsters are sure to see both the truth and a little of themselves on each page. Perfect for kids 4-8, Courage is a heartwarming and utterly charming book, sometimes poignant, often uplifting, but always stated in a positive way, that should get little ones thinking and open interesting discussions. "Courage is what we give to each other."

When I think of examples of courage, only a few things come to my mind. Waber listed all kinds of courage...even for dogs! Everyone must have experienced one in the book. I really enjoyed it because I could relate to many pages of the book. Waber did a good job to show that courage is never too small or silly. And I loved the last line- courage is what we give to each other. It's so true~

This book would be worth reading if it was about half as long, needed to be severely edited. Seemed like there was a length requirement because many of the examples of courage were absolutely ridiculous. Courage is a dog hoping for another type of dog food? Really scraped the barrel for examples. Wouldn't want to every read this book to a child. Returned it with all speed.

This book is part of a literacy program my principal is starting, so I read it to my class today. I loved the inspirational messages and the huge variety of ways that courage was showed--some funny, some downright touching. The illustrations are amazing and I think this will hook any kid willing to listen.

I bought this book for my 4 year old grandson. He enjoys it very much, and requests it often at bedtime. The vocabulary and lessons in the book are now a part of his life: I have heard his father remind him: "Remember to use your Courage," And last summer as he was about to jump in the pool, I heard him say, "I've got to use my Courage!" I can't wait until he is able to read it to his little brother. I just bought a copy for my granddaughter. She is already a brave girl at 2, but everyone needs to develop the skill of COURAGE, even this grandmother.

Bernard Waber looks at people engaged in seemingly dangerous activity--such as trapeze artists, firefighters, or astronauts who obviously need courage. Then he makes it clear that people who face the ordinary trials of life need courage too. By illustrating the importance of courage in diverse circumstances, he identifies a tie between them.

In addition to the story featured on the cover (jumping off a diving board), activities highlight scary prospects every child faces--such as riding a bike without training wheels. Other concepts include doing what you have to do when you're not good at it (stepping to the plate in a baseball game), eating food you dislike, not acting jealous when you feel it inside--you get the idea. A child or a dog illustrate most scenes and a simple sentence identify problems.

I feel this book could be problematic for very young children who do not yet handle abstract concepts. But because the book defines courage through meaningful everyday examples, it does encourage children to think or evaluate emotions--even when they are hard to define.

And so, Courage is a good book to have on the shelf--to read occasionally. One never knows, someday, in a tight spot when faced by a crisis, recalling the meaning and value of courage could be helpful.

My order was shipped promptly and I was glad that I'd read the reviews. The book is perfect for my 8 yr old grandson to read to his younger brothers. I'm sure he'll enjoy it and learn about courage as the author addresses the many different kinds of courage we have in life, not only the typical fireman saving the victim from the burning house. My only criticism is that the book could have been cleaned up a little better. But for the price, it was a good deal.