How Big is Your Brave? [Ruth Soukup]

How Big is Your Brave? by Ruth Soukup and illustrated by Alison Friend is a realistic and good story about believing in yourself and never giving up on your dreams. It’s not quite the story that I thought it would be, for with a title like that I was kind of expecting something more like an adventure than a simple story about a bunny child going to space camp and overcoming everyday fears. But it’s still good.

I’ll admit, I didn’t love this book. Nothing about it really blew me away or anything. I do, however, think it sent a great message for kids, which was nice. I think, for me, what I just didn’t care for was the fact that the plot was so very much about how shy kids overcome their shyness by getting involved in activities they are passionate about. It’s the same reason I don’t really care for contemporary. I enjoy books that are much more focused on exciting things. I feel like How Big is Your Brave? overpromised excitement with its title and didn’t actually deliver.

That said, this is clearly more a me problem than a book problem. This book sends a great message to kids, is very relatable, and gives kids adorable bunnies to look at the entire time.

Speaking of, the illustrations are very cute. They’re again, not my favorite, but I think kids will love them all the same. The book is peppered with adorable animals and everything is very bright and colorful. It’s definitely a book that I can see children engaging with and enjoying.

I think, overall, the general impression I leave this book with is that it’s not one I like but definitely one worth reading. There is a lot to appreciate about it, from the message to the artwork. I imagine many kids will benefit from having read it. I felt a little underwhelmed while reading it but, at the end of the day, this is a book meant for young kids with dreams and not an adult like me.

I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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