Author Janet Sumner Johnson is here today with a cover reveal of her new picture book, BRAVER THAN BRAVE!
Before the big reveal, I asked Janet about the genesis of the story.
Once upon a time, my son wanted to ride the big roller coaster at the amusement park. Though he was scared, we waited in line as he built up his courage. When we got to the front, he still wasn’t sure he could do it, but there was a big sign over the way out: CHICKEN EXIT.
He didn’t want to go through that exit, and he wasn’t sure he was ready for the roller coaster. He had a tough choice to make!
Fast forward many years. My daughter was complaining that all the kids at school wanted her to do a thing that she didn’t want to do. She said, “I’m just tired of everyone telling me to be brave!”
I remembered my son’s experience, and those two ideas collided. They had me questioning the concept of Brave. What does it really mean to be Brave? How do kids show their Brave? What if Brave is different than we think?
From the thrilling roller coaster ride in the background, to the determination on Wanda’s face, Eunji Jung’s art really captures the heart of the story. I can’t wait until BRAVER THAN BRAVE hits the bookshelves!
Thanks, Janet. And here’s the cover with art by Eunji Jung…
Wanda desperately wants to be brave like her big brother, Zane, but it’s not easy. When the Coaster of Doom opens at the amusement park, Wanda is determined to conquer it. But up close, it’s scarier than she thought! With all eyes on her, she must find the confidence to be her own kind of brave.
Janet is giving away a copy of BRAVER THAN BRAVE once it’s released on August 1, 2022 from Capstone.
Comment once below with your brave moment!
A random winner will be selected this summer.
Good luck!
Janet Sumner Johnson lives in northern Utah with her husband, three kids, and a dog. As a kid, she loved riding roller coasters, but refused to enter Haunted Houses (she still won’t!). When she’s not writing or planning her next book, Janet loves eating cookies, laughing, and going on long walks. Sometimes she even does all three at once! She is the author of the middle grade novel The Last Great Adventure of the PB&J Society, and the picture book Help Wanted: Must Love Books. You can learn more about her at janetsumnerjohnson.com.
200 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 22, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Carol Coven Grannick
When I decided to perform a dance solo although I was terrified and so-o-o-o-o self-conscious. Many years later, it turned into my first published children’s story (and later, novel in verse)! I love children’s work that handles the issue of courage—can’t wait for this one!
February 23, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Janet Johnson
Love this! SO much courage! And I love that it inspired your writing!
February 22, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Lauri Fortino
Love the idea of this. Congratulations! I look forward to reading.
February 23, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Lauri!
February 22, 2022 at 12:35 pm
Alicia Meyers
Oh my first graders will LOVE this book!!
February 23, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Janet Johnson
I hope so! Thank you!! 🙂
February 22, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Amy Benoit
BRAVER THAN BRAVE is worth the wait!! Here’s to summer.
February 23, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Janet Johnson
Awww, thanks, Amy! I’m so excited for everyone to read it! ❤
February 22, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Roberta Abussi
This definitely is a good every school should have! Congratulations!!🥳🥳
February 22, 2022 at 12:38 pm
Roberta abussi
*book
February 23, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you so much, Roberta!
February 22, 2022 at 12:39 pm
Polly Renner
Great idea! I cannot wait to read this one! I will go in haunted houses, but NOT on roller coasters!
February 23, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Janet Johnson
Haha! Brave definitely looks different to different people! 😀
February 22, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Janice Woods
This sounds great! Congratulations!
February 23, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Janice!
February 22, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
What a great idea for a book! Thanks for sharing your journey.
February 23, 2022 at 1:35 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Carol! And I love hearing others’ stories about how they got their ideas, so I was happy to share!
February 22, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Rebecca McMurdie
So true! Sometimes being brave is not what we think. I can’t wait to read this. Congrats!!
February 23, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Janet Johnson
It really isn’t! I loved exploring that idea. Thank you!
February 22, 2022 at 12:42 pm
kimpfenn
Every age can relate to this dilemma! Congratulations!!
February 23, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Janet Johnson
I agree! Especially with all that’s going on right now. And thank you!
February 22, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Jan Milusich
So relatable! Best of luck with Braver than Brave!
February 23, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you so much!
February 22, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Kim A Larson
Congratulations, Janet! Great topic for any age!
February 23, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Janet Johnson
Thanks, Kim! 🙂
February 22, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Emily Bertholf
I sure could have used that chicken exit when I went bungee jumping as a teen. I got to the ledge and didn’t think I could do it, but there I was all strapped up and ready, so I did. It was a thrilling rush, but not until after the terrifying moments of prayer as my short life ran past my eyes.
February 23, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Janet Johnson
Oh wow!! The idea of bungee jumping terrifies me, so I would have been praying too (just from the watching area). LOL! So brave of you!
February 22, 2022 at 12:48 pm
elisederstine
Ironically, my brave moment was standing up to my friends and choosing NOT to go into a drainage pipe that I thought was dangerous, even though they made fun of me for being scared.
February 23, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Janet Johnson
We have some drainage pipes like that around here, and YOU WERE SMART!! What a great Brave story!
February 22, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Melissa Trempe
I wonder what her “own brave” will be! Can’t wait to read it!
February 23, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Janet Johnson
Can’t wait for you to find out! 😀
February 22, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Angela De Groot
I agree. It’s not easy to be brave, and sometimes being brave means saying no and sometimes saying yes. My brave moment? Doing something when I’m scared – it doesn’t feel brave at the time, it just feels scary! I’ve added your book to my TBR list.
February 23, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Janet Johnson
Brave totally looks different at different times and to different people. And I totally agree that it can be hard to see our own brave. Especially in the moment. And yay! thank you!
February 22, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Linda Sakai
Great premise. Can’t wait to read. Loved your backstory!
February 23, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Linda! ❤
February 22, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Laura Rackham
What a wonderful concept to share with mids
February 23, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Laura! I hope kids connect with the message!
February 22, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Elizabeth Kalasinsky
This looks like a fun book!
February 23, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Janet Johnson
Thanks, Elizabeth! ❤
February 22, 2022 at 12:54 pm
kiwijenny
I teach 4 year olds I need this for my class. Great pitch.
February 23, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you! ❤
February 22, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
I’m taking the chicken exit for sure! This looks FANTASTIC – a great concept and definitely needed. Can’t wait!
February 23, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Janet Johnson
Haha! No shame in the chicken exit! And thank you!
February 22, 2022 at 12:59 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
This sounds great! My brave moment happened today actually. I’m at a water park w my boys and one wanted to try one of the bigger slides but only if I went w him. Honestly, I was scared to go but I did it for him and LOVED it!
February 23, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Janet Johnson
Wow! Go you!! (And I may be jealous that you are in a place where it’s warm enough for a water park to be open. lol)
February 22, 2022 at 1:01 pm
leslieevatayloe
I’ve seen that roller coaster sign:) Great story! Best wishes in 2022.
February 23, 2022 at 1:46 pm
Janet Johnson
Have you??! Where did you see it? (Just wondering if it’s the same one.)
And thank you!
February 22, 2022 at 1:03 pm
Rachelle Burk
I can’t wait to find out how it ends!
February 23, 2022 at 1:46 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you! I hope you love the ending!
February 22, 2022 at 1:04 pm
lmconnors
Congratulations! This is a great concept to present to readers. One of my brave moments? Applying for an artist’s residency in Alaska. If I get it, going will be my next brave moment.
February 23, 2022 at 1:47 pm
Janet Johnson
Oh wow!! Congratulations on having the courage to apply! Crossing fingers for you!
February 22, 2022 at 1:05 pm
Maureen Riordan
I was brave went on fossil digs in Montana and New Mexico with teacher colleagues complete with rattlesnakes and scorpions.
February 23, 2022 at 1:47 pm
Janet Johnson
Oh wow. That would take a lot of bravery! But how cool to be on fossil digs!
February 22, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Janna MacLean
What a cool idea for a book. Love it!
February 23, 2022 at 1:49 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Janna!
February 22, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Ooh a cliff hanger!! Nice!
February 23, 2022 at 1:49 pm
Janet Johnson
Haha! Gotta love a good cliff hanger. 😀
February 22, 2022 at 1:13 pm
Amy Bradshaw
My brave moment was deciding to stop climbing the corporate ladder and create my own ladder! Congratulations to you and your success!
February 23, 2022 at 1:50 pm
Janet Johnson
That is a huge brave! Congrats to you, too! Wishing you all the success.
February 22, 2022 at 1:14 pm
Kassy Keppol
Anytime I send something in, I am brave.
February 23, 2022 at 1:50 pm
Janet Johnson
Truth. So brave!
February 22, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Bethanny Parker
It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to peer pressure. I think that might be one of the bravest things most kids have to do.
February 23, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Janet Johnson
I 100% agree.
February 22, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Lisa Gaines
What a terrific angle this is and something kids really need to hear!
February 23, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Janet Johnson
Thanks, Lisa!
February 22, 2022 at 1:25 pm
Danielle Hammelef
My brave moment was the first time I sent my writing out into the world. Thank you for sharing how you came up with the idea for your book. I can’t wait to read it for mentor text.
February 23, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Janet Johnson
Oh, that is a big brave! Good on you for doing it!! And thank you!
February 22, 2022 at 1:28 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
This sounds fantastic, and it’s inspiring to hear the background of how this story came together. My brave moments are anytime I do something new. There’s always a “gulp! here I go!” feeling about it.
February 23, 2022 at 1:53 pm
Janet Johnson
Doing new things is hugely brave! I even have to pluck up my courage sometimes to even walk into a new store. Love that you push through!
February 22, 2022 at 1:29 pm
sarah skolfield
This sounds so good! I love the title and I can’t wait to see how you pulled this together.
February 23, 2022 at 1:54 pm
Janet Johnson
Thanks, Sarah! 😀
February 22, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Joyce Uglow
I am really not braver than brave. I rode a ski lift to the top of a mountainous ski area once, I road a roller coaster once, I rode a big rubber raft over rapids once, I climbed the stairs on the outside of the Getty once… Maybe if I read Braver Than Brave, I’ll do one of these scary things twice.
February 23, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Janet Johnson
Sounds like you’ve shown all kinds of brave. Sometimes, once is enough! 🙂
February 22, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ellen Slanczka
My brave moment was at the top of a water slide. I had already chickened out once, and then, followed my 7-year-old daughter up to the top. If she could do it, I could do it. I can still see her skinny, little body on top of a boogie board, sliding across the water and grinning ear to ear.
February 23, 2022 at 1:56 pm
Janet Johnson
Kids are great leaders, aren’t they?! Love this story.
February 22, 2022 at 1:47 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
It’s always fun to hear the stories that inspire our books. Thanks for sharing! I feel brave when I turned down a full-time job so I could continue to focus on my writing.
February 23, 2022 at 1:57 pm
Janet Johnson
I love hearing the backstory to books as well! And that is HUGELY brave. Love your books and wish you all the success!
February 22, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Jennifer
My form of brave currently?…venturing into this world of writing with fears of rejection and being publicly vulnerable to criticism & scrutiny. ha
February 23, 2022 at 1:58 pm
Janet Johnson
I really think it’s underestimated just how much courage it takes to venture into the writing world with your dreams. Wishing you all the best as you move forward!
February 22, 2022 at 1:56 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
How fun…thanks for sharing!
February 23, 2022 at 1:58 pm
Janet Johnson
You’re welcome!
February 22, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Judy Sobanski
What a relatable theme for kids. I can’t wait to read it! I went through a haunted house with a friend in jr. high. Had to muster a lot of bravery for that one!
February 23, 2022 at 11:47 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you! And for real! Those things are scary!!
February 22, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Stephen S. Martinssss
Brave is putting your book out there. . . Time and Time and Time Again !
February 23, 2022 at 11:47 pm
Janet Johnson
AMEN!
February 22, 2022 at 2:07 pm
Hanna Geshelin
Great idea for a book! My bravest moment was more than 50 years ago in a foreign country where I had limited use of the language and phones were uncommon. I had to find a doctor for someone during the night shortly after someone had tried breaking into my room, and I didn’t know if he was still outside.
February 23, 2022 at 11:48 pm
Janet Johnson
Oh wow. That would have been so scary!!
February 22, 2022 at 2:08 pm
H. Abigail Perry
I can’t wait to read your new book!
February 23, 2022 at 11:48 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you! 🙂
February 22, 2022 at 2:20 pm
pathaap
Fantastic idea for a book. Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
February 23, 2022 at 11:48 pm
Janet Johnson
Thanks so much!
February 22, 2022 at 2:22 pm
judyrubin13
Your book sounds wonderful, and bravo to your son for his courage. I must admit, that I probably would not go through the Chicken Exit either, unless it opened to a chicken dinner.
February 23, 2022 at 11:49 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you! And lol! That would have been hilarious if a chicken dinner were waiting on the other side. 🙂
February 22, 2022 at 2:25 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
This looks like a great story! Congrats, Janet. I had a brave moment when my 20-year-old asked me to ride the VelociCoaster with her at Universal. I was terrified…but it was awesome!
February 23, 2022 at 11:50 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Teresa! And love the brave story!
February 22, 2022 at 2:27 pm
kathydoherty1
My brave moment was when I foiled a pickpocket who was planning to steal my handbag….Congrats on your cute book!
February 23, 2022 at 11:50 pm
Janet Johnson
Oh wow! So glad you foiled them!!
And thank you!
February 22, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Reed Hilton-Eddy
Great concept and question! What IS brave? Facing a fear? Running towards something scary? Walking away from something scary?
My “brave” moment. I used to love horses as a kid. But I rode at a school that had no business teaching beginners. After a few accidents I was so scared of horses I would throw up on site. Fast forward 30 years. My kids want to ride a horse. My kids are 8 and 5. After watching them be so vulnerable I thought, “it’s time.” So now we take lessons together.
February 23, 2022 at 11:54 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you! And yes, exactly those questions. 😀
Wow, that must have taken a lot of courage to get back on a horse. Love that you’re doing with your kids!
February 22, 2022 at 2:37 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
I look forward to reading how Wanda solves her problem!
February 23, 2022 at 11:55 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you! Can’t wait till you can read it!
February 22, 2022 at 2:41 pm
Anita Banks
How wonderful. Although, I still won’t get on roller coasters. 🙂
February 23, 2022 at 11:56 pm
Janet Johnson
A legitimate way to feel! 🙂
February 22, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Jennifer Johnson
I once went on vacation by myself.
February 23, 2022 at 11:56 pm
Janet Johnson
I did that once, too! Scary to start, but loved it by the end!
February 22, 2022 at 2:44 pm
Amy Mann
I came home from work to a stranger in my house, eating my food and rummaging through my stuff. I stood up to him and told him to leave. He actually did. Living alone takes bravery sometimes, too.
February 23, 2022 at 11:57 pm
Janet Johnson
O_O !!!!! SO SCARY!!!
February 22, 2022 at 3:15 pm
andreesantini
I love this concept, congrats on your book!
February 23, 2022 at 11:57 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you! 🙂
February 22, 2022 at 3:16 pm
Lisa
Love the idea of this story; congrats! My most recent brave moment-signing up to substitute teach at an ‘alternative’ school that was in desperate need of teachers. I’m generally a soft-spoken person, and was a little worried that the students would see that as a weakness. In actuality, the day went better than expected , I was dazzled by the amazing young people that I worked with, and have been subbing there ever since!
February 23, 2022 at 11:58 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you!
And I love this!! I love when we’re surprised in a good way. 😀
February 22, 2022 at 3:25 pm
mariearden
I need to read this book. I’ve never taken a ride on a roller coaster. Maybe Wanda can show me how to be braver than brave.
February 23, 2022 at 11:59 pm
Janet Johnson
Thank you! And I hope she does!
February 22, 2022 at 3:31 pm
Angie
LOVE your premise! Sometimes brave does look different! Congratulations!
February 23, 2022 at 11:59 pm
Janet Johnson
Thanks so much, Angie!
February 22, 2022 at 3:36 pm
Stephanie Wildman
Needless to say I am a fan of books about being brave (mine is Brave in the Water) – I am preordering this one ! Congratulations on this book – it looks adorable and necessary.
February 24, 2022 at 12:00 am
Janet Johnson
Yay for another book on being brave! Can’t wait to check yours out!
February 22, 2022 at 3:49 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Very intriguing premise! One of my biggest “brave” moments was when I learned to play hockey as an adult, even though I’m not athletic. It takes courage to be bad at something, especially in front of others.
February 24, 2022 at 12:02 am
Janet Johnson
Love this! It DOES take courage to do something for your own joy instead of to impress others. All the respect!
February 22, 2022 at 3:52 pm
chardixon47
Congratulations, Janet! I think we spend a lifetime finding our brave. I’m looking forward to reading your book.
February 24, 2022 at 12:03 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you! Finding our brave is the work of a lifetime for sure!
February 22, 2022 at 4:00 pm
nancykkkkk
OMG. Roller coasters were THE scariest ride EVER when I was a kid. And when other riders would put their arms in the air, NOT holding tightly to the safety bar with white knuckles . . . HOW COULD THEY????? And of course, I also knew that the safety bar was only seconds away from releasing and throwing me across the amusement park! I’m laughing now because my palms are sweating as I type this and remember. 🙂
February 24, 2022 at 12:03 am
Janet Johnson
I AGREE about the hands in the air! I have never been a hands-up on a roller coaster kind of person. lol!
February 22, 2022 at 4:22 pm
karenlee
I have always wished I were braver.
February 24, 2022 at 12:04 am
Janet Johnson
I bet you’re braver than you think you are!
February 22, 2022 at 4:39 pm
Stephanie D Jones
Janet, I love this! I have a PB draft about a reluctant sibling trying to live up to an older sister’s bravery – thanks for yours, soon to be a comp title 🙂 Congratulations!
February 24, 2022 at 12:04 am
Janet Johnson
Sounds like the perfect “If you like x than you’ll like y” kind of connection! Hope I get to hear about yours soon!
February 22, 2022 at 4:42 pm
Arlene Schenker
Looks great, Janet. Kids struggle with this all the time–like when I stood on the diving board for about 10 minutes! Good luck with the book.
February 24, 2022 at 12:05 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Arlene! Diving boards make me nervous, too!
February 22, 2022 at 5:05 pm
Becky Wentworth
I always have to be brave at scenic lookouts. I love the scenery but hate the heights! As a teacher, I always taught kids that bravery is doing something you are afraid to do. It isn’t brave to climb a mountain or ride a roller coaster if it doesn’t scare you!!
I’m looking forward to this book!
February 24, 2022 at 12:06 am
Janet Johnson
I feel you! There are some scenic lookouts I chose not to go to for that reason! Bravery definitely looks different for everyone!
February 22, 2022 at 5:15 pm
Laura Renauld
What a great topic to explore. I remember trying for the lead in the 5th-8th grade play… when I was in 5th grade. Was I brave? Naive? Conceited? Everyone had an opinion. I didn’t get the lead. But I got a speaking role! The other 5th graders were just part of the crowd/chorus.
February 24, 2022 at 12:07 am
Janet Johnson
Thanks, Laura! And go you! Love that you tried out and got a speaking part. ❤
February 22, 2022 at 5:19 pm
seschipper
This a great idea for a PB!! Congratulations! I have to be “Braver than Brave” at the beach! I love the beach but the water still scares me! However, brave face on with the Kids! And, always near the lifeguard stand!! 🙂
February 24, 2022 at 12:08 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you! And I agree, the water can be scary! I’m glad you’ve found a way to still enjoy the beach!
February 22, 2022 at 5:28 pm
Heidi Chupp
Congratulations, Janet! I doubt that I’ll ever be a roller coaster person, but I can smack a cockroach for you any day. 😊
February 24, 2022 at 12:08 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Heidi! And brave cockroach smacking people are so needed in this world!!!
February 22, 2022 at 5:51 pm
Colleen Dabney
Looks like a great book! I haven’t had many brave moments……getting a Covid vaccine I guess..I hate needles
February 24, 2022 at 12:18 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you! And I bet you’ve had more than you think. Getting the vaccine when you hate needles is definitely one!
February 22, 2022 at 6:28 pm
TonyaAnn Pember
Braver than Brave, learning to give my 3 year old grandson insulin injections. I was sure I could never do it, but I do, at one point 4 times a day. Thank God for research that produced insulin pumps!
February 24, 2022 at 12:18 am
Janet Johnson
Oh Wow. That is for sure bravery! Lucky your grandson has you, and amen about insulin pumps.
February 22, 2022 at 6:54 pm
lisanevada
What a great idea for a PB! Can’t wait to read it!
February 24, 2022 at 12:19 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you!
February 22, 2022 at 8:43 pm
readmybook2002
I really like the idea is based on your children’s experience. You asked, “Why?” and produced a great concept book for kids on how they feel with the true meaning of the word “brave” in their world. Great job.Thank You
February 24, 2022 at 12:19 am
Janet Johnson
My kids inspire a lot of great picture book ideas!
February 22, 2022 at 10:25 pm
marty bellis
Being brave/feeling brave is hard, whether you’re a child or an adult. Looking forward to reading your book.
February 24, 2022 at 12:20 am
Janet Johnson
I agree! It really is. And thank you!
February 22, 2022 at 11:22 pm
Chayala Nachum
My brave moment was submitting a query for the first time!
February 24, 2022 at 12:20 am
Janet Johnson
Congratulations!! What a brave thing to do!
February 22, 2022 at 11:26 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Congrats, Eunji and Janet! Looking forward to reading this book.
February 24, 2022 at 12:20 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Susan!!
February 22, 2022 at 11:33 pm
Ellie Langford
Sometimes it’s brave to not act brave. I know I’ll love this book.
February 24, 2022 at 12:21 am
Janet Johnson
It really is! And thank you! I hope you do. ❤
February 22, 2022 at 11:42 pm
Mary Warth
Congratulations Janet! Your book sounds fabulous.
February 24, 2022 at 12:21 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Mary!
February 23, 2022 at 3:04 am
Aly Kenna
Congratulations on your new book. It looks amazing and is so relevant!
February 24, 2022 at 12:21 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Aly!
February 23, 2022 at 3:10 am
Suzanne Lewis
This is such an important concept for kids to explore…well all of us really! Thank you for writing a picture book that helps us do so! Congratulations!
February 24, 2022 at 12:22 am
Janet Johnson
I agree! I hope it gives both kids and adults food for thought!
February 23, 2022 at 5:23 am
sharongiltrow
This looks great I can’t wait to read it 🙂
February 24, 2022 at 12:22 am
Janet Johnson
Thanks so much, Sharon! ❤
February 23, 2022 at 8:28 am
Elizabeth Westra
This sounds like a terrific book. I can”t wait to read it. There are many definitioins of brave. Doing what the “others” want you to isn’t necessarily brave. Doing what’s best for you in the face of what others think is truly brave. Great topic!
February 24, 2022 at 12:22 am
Janet Johnson
Thanks, Elizabeth!! I’m so with you about bravery. 🙂
February 23, 2022 at 8:42 am
Erica Jensen Shiflet
Can’t wait to read it!
February 24, 2022 at 12:23 am
Janet Johnson
Yay! Thank you!
February 23, 2022 at 8:58 am
Jaime Petrucci
Looking forward to reading your books!
February 24, 2022 at 12:23 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you, Jaime!
February 23, 2022 at 10:10 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congratulations Janet!
February 24, 2022 at 12:23 am
Janet Johnson
Thanks, Sylvia!
February 23, 2022 at 11:54 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
Oooh! I know how you feel about haunted houses. When I was in 7th grade, my whole class went to a Halloween party at the mall, where there was a haunted house set up. I bravely stayed outside by myself while everyone else went in. To this DAY I haven’t been inside one!
February 24, 2022 at 12:24 am
Janet Johnson
They are so scary!
February 23, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Gabi Snyder
Congrats, Janet! This sounds wonderful and definitely resonates with me.
February 24, 2022 at 12:24 am
Janet Johnson
Thanks, Gabi! I hope you like it!!
February 23, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Christine Graham
What a great idea!
February 24, 2022 at 12:24 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you!
February 23, 2022 at 1:04 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thanks we need more picture books and early readers like this for children to embrace their feelings of fear or bravery and when it is okay to not do something your friends are doing. I would read this to my classes every year to show them it’s important to stick to your beliefs and not be influenced by others. Good subject matter to children to learn about.
February 24, 2022 at 12:24 am
Janet Johnson
It’s such an important thing for kids to learn!
February 23, 2022 at 6:17 pm
chaunceyelephant
This sounds like a topic that will resonate with all kids – and grown-ups, too!
February 24, 2022 at 12:25 am
Janet Johnson
Thank you! I hope so!!
February 23, 2022 at 6:55 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
The title alone has me hooked and curious! Love the cover illustrations and can’t wait to read this book!
February 24, 2022 at 12:25 am
Janet Johnson
Aww, yay! Hope you love it when you do!
February 23, 2022 at 7:06 pm
rosihollinbeck
It’s hard to be brave. This is a book that is really needed in KitLit. Thanks for the heads up.
February 24, 2022 at 12:25 am
Janet Johnson
It really is! ❤
February 23, 2022 at 9:25 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Chicken Exit. Hilarious, but I’d be going that way! LOL
February 24, 2022 at 12:26 am
Janet Johnson
LOL! It was pretty funny. But no shame in taking it!
February 23, 2022 at 9:50 pm
Kathy Crable
I’m not very brave – maybe your book will help! 😉
February 24, 2022 at 12:27 am
Janet Johnson
I bet you’re more brave than you think! Hope my book DOES help!!
February 23, 2022 at 10:17 pm
EmmieRWerner
Sounds like a great book❤️
February 24, 2022 at 12:27 am
Janet Johnson
Thanks so much, Emmie!
February 24, 2022 at 9:54 am
Liesl Couperthwaite
I guess that kids really show us life as it really is. We try to make it all nice and safe but that is not what they experience.
February 24, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
I certainly needed this book as a kid! Looking forward to reading it in August. Congrats to you!!
February 25, 2022 at 12:06 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
I love the concept, the story-behind-the-story, and the cover. Congrats on this, Janet! I look forward to reading it!
February 26, 2022 at 9:57 am
stephaniemstories
Oh my goodness, what a great relatable story. As an adult I still wonder why I make myself go on roller coasters, ready to jump out on the climb up….lol. Congrats on the book!
February 26, 2022 at 10:12 pm
Meredith Fraser
I totally agree with Wanda about roller coasters. Bravery to the max!!
Love Wanda’s big eyes and gorgeous hair.
Can’t wait to read.
February 28, 2022 at 6:30 am
Mary E. Cronin
As writers for children, we are brave to keep trying, keep writing, and keep creating! This story sounds wonderful.
March 5, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Katherine Pew
Love the lively cover! Tough options: c
certain doom or chicken exit! Great premise for kids to explore!
March 7, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Caroline Perry
This looks wonderful! Can’t wait to read it x
March 17, 2022 at 8:51 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Brave = doing/not doing ANYTHING that goes against one’s internal “comfort” meter, whether it’s bucking peer pressure or facing a personal phobia. For me, it was having to perform at public piano recitals, starting when I was 8. I never entirely conquered “stage fright” despite it being required several times a year.
Congratulations on this PB, Janet, can’t wait to read it!
March 20, 2022 at 11:36 pm
Elayne
It was brave of me each and every time I moved to a new place. Which has been…to 13 different states and even other countries.
April 3, 2022 at 4:02 pm
Kimberly Gutierrez
This sounds like a perfect small moment story to share during writing time! I can’t wait to see it!