Picture Books that Kindle Courage
"Let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage"
“Since it is so likely that they will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.” – C.S Lewis, “On Three Ways of Writing for Children”
Last week I wrote about chapter books whose narratives naturally teach about conscience and courage. Today, I’m listing six picture books that do the same.
These are beautiful stories in their own right, both in their storytelling and in their illustrations. They don’t preach. But like all great stories, they include embedded lessons in virtue.
Most of the books on this list hit the upper range of picture book length. Plan on fifteen to twenty minutes to read one through cover to cover – though each one offers stopping points to break off and come back again later. (And most likely, you’ll have kids clamoring for more.)
Here are my favorite picture books that kindle courage.
St. George and the Dragon, by Margaret Hodges, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
“The Red Cross Knight had never yet faced a foe, and did not even know his name or where he had been born. But now he was bound on a great adventure.”
So we learn in the first page of this dramatic, poignant retelling of a famous tale of the knight’s long-lasting courage.
The Kitchen Knight, by Margaret Hodges, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
A young man approaches King Arthur’s table, unknown and unrecognized, and soon finds work in the king’s kitchen. Humbly he toils, all the while sitting on a secret: he is of noble blood, a relation of the king’s.
Opportunities for valor come, and he proves himself honorable and brave long before his true identity is revealed.
Anytime Margaret Hodges and Trina Schart Hyman team up, it’s a safe bet to buy the book. (Another one, a bit longer, here.)
The Empty Pot, by Demi
The emperor needs to choose an heir, and he devises a test of honesty to sift the candidates. Only one young boy is courageous enough to tell the truth despite peer pressure. The shortest book on this list, it’s a classic whose message even the youngest readers catch.
Pink and Say, by Patricia Polacco
A true story from Polacco’s own family, this incredible Civil War tale shows two young boys cast into the midst of war. Sheldon Russell Curtis (“Say”) joined as a drummer boy from Ohio, and Pinkus Aylee (“Pink”) ran from slavery to join the Forty-Eighth Colored.
In the chance of war, they meet and depend on each other. It takes self-sacrifice and bravery to persevere—plus overcoming past personal failures.
This book also appears on my America’s 250th list.
The Bravest Man in the World, by Patricia Polacco
As the Titanic sank, the ship’s band huddled together and played music to quiet distraught passengers. The lead musician chose a hymn – “Nearer, My God to Thee.”
In this slightly fictionalized retelling, we meet the violinist who played that hymn.
This story does include some references to fate that muddle the gospel images that otherwise would shine brightly. I take the opportunity with my children to discuss this. Nevertheless, this remains among my many favorites by Patricia Polacco. I highly recommend it.
The Boy Who Held Back the Sea, by Thomas Locker
Young Pieter has been up to no good, but instead of the corporal punishment he expected from Father, Grandma comes in to tell him a story. Therein, another young miscreant named Jan chooses to turn away from folly and finds himself the hero who saves the town.
The oil paintings in this book are stunning, communicating the gravity of each moment’s choice.
So, let our children at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage, that they may be brave and courageous, too.
If you enjoyed this book list, you may also be interested in more recent lists.
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I recently picked up The Boy Who Held Back The Sea! The paintings are truly gorgeous, and my boys enjoy looking at.
On the topic of paintings, my boys also love pouring over Charles Wysocki's Heartland book. I picked it up because I liked the New England style paintings, I never would have guessed how often they would reach for it!
LOVE Trina Schart Hyman illustrations. Revisiting the picture book of St. George and the Dragon after reading a bit of Spenser is pretty special.