Bravery grows A story for all children, including those with anxiety or selective mutism

A child struggles with selective mutism. "At home, myconfidenceshows, / at home, mybraveryglows." But when the young narrator is out and about, everything changes. Interacting with other kids at the park is "a big task." "I try to play, I try toshout, / but mybravevoice just won't come out!" Though the protagonist looks forward to school, upon arrival, "fearreplaces my words, and my legs start toshake." When the teacher asks a question, the child's "glow" is nearly extinguished. But the narrator is comforted by Mum and Dad's repeated reassurance: "It's OK to feel upset, / mybrave muscleshaven't grown fully just yet." As the narrator practices "brave talking" at the park, a restaurant, and more with the help of a special present, those muscles gradually strengthen: "My glow staysbrighteven though my voice is still small, / each time I ambrave, / I feel10 feet tall!" Reinforcing the emotionally descriptive rhyming text, Baykovska's expressive cartoon illustrations sympathetically convey the contrast between the talkative exuberance the narrator displays at home and the sadness and anxiety experienced in public. The narrator and the rest of the family have tan skin; background characters are racially diverse. Backmatter includes tips and resources on selective mutism for caregivers. Gently encouraging.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.