BORN BRAVE

We are brave from the moment we’re born—we just have to recognize it.

Providing many examples of bravery, a zebra with a rounded snout, two large, protruding teeth, and a curly black mane and tail leads a group of young, cuddly, stylized animals, including a bunny and a squirrel. All the animals wear clothing, stand upright, and use their “hands” with dexterity. The author, a Down syndrome activist, speaks directly to young readers and encourages them to believe in themselves, reminding them that they’ve already displayed courage in many ways, starting with their earliest moments. Just like the hero of this story, they have overcome their fears of taking their first steps (an accompanying illustration shows the zebra as a baby dressed in a onesie, toddling toward a supportive parent) and sleeping alone. They’ve endured dentist and doctor visits, made new friends on the first day of school, and gamely tried new things. The charming, expressive characters enact these adventures in colorful, homey artwork, a combination of vignettes set against sharp white backgrounds and full-page spreads. The tone is thoughtful, never treacly or preachy. Readers will be emboldened to realize that they are as brave as the young hero.

Loving, comforting, and uplifting.