In this poignant yet entertaining volume, versatile author and artist Waber (The Mouse That Snored) takes a look at the various ways in which kids, the occasional grown-up and one endearing canine display bravery. "There are many kinds of courage," the narrative begins. "Awesome kinds" appears on a spread of trapeze artists; "everyday kinds" depicts a boy who summons the confidence to jump off a high dive. Minimal yet artfully crafted text and sprightly art reveal some gutsy acts that all youngsters will identify with: taking that first bike ride without training wheels, explaining the rip in a brand-new pair of pants. The author's observations range from lighthearted ("Courage is deliberately stepping on sidewalk cracks") to those worthy of reflection ("Courage is being the first to make up after an argument"). Waber's wit infuses many of the pages, including one from a dog's viewpoint: a "Beware of Dog" sign adorns the front lawn of a house while, inside, a pooch quakes listening to eerie sounds—"Courage is it's your job to check out the night noises in the house." On the affecting, timely penultimate spread, scenes of firefighters and a police officer on the job ("Courage is being a firefighter, or a police officer") appear opposite the image of a mother and two children watching a plane take off ("Courage is sometimes having to say goodbye"). Uncovering an array of triumphs and fears, this is a natural read-aloud likely to spark valuable adult-child dialogue and to help youngsters conquer their own fears. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)
