My Little Brave Girl

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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that My Little Brave Girl, by actor, singer, and author Hilary Duff and illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley, is a motivational picture book that encourages young girls to be all they can be. It can work as a warm, gentle read-aloud for little ones, and it may inspire some adults to give it as a gift at baby showers or graduation time.
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What's the Story?
In MY BRAVE LITTLE GIRL, an unseen narrator, presumably the parent of the White girl on the cover, imagines a bright future ahead for her and her diverse group of friends. The girls explore and play outdoors during the day, and then wind up in a sleepover at the end of the day at her Black friend's house.
Is It Any Good?
This encouraging, sentimental book is packed with positive messages that underscore boundless possibilities for young girls. There's no story arc in My Little Brave Girl. Instead, there are scenes of happy, curious girls playing together matched with abstract, metaphorical platitudes, such as "The sun burns bright, my little brave girl, and you will find the light." It may be challenging for little ones to grasp the meaning of the messages, but they'll enjoy Kelsey Garrity-Riley's soft, pastel-palette watercolor and colored pencil illustrations of little girls having fun. And the book could make a cozy read-aloud with a grown-up who can help explain the metaphors.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about all the hopes the unseen parent narrator expresses for the little one and her friends in My Little Brave Girl. What does it mean to reach for the stars?
What does it mean to say "Your future knows no bounds." What job can you imagine doing when you grow up?
How do you like the art? Which picture is your favorite?
Book Details
- Author: Hilary Duff
- Illustrator: Kelsey Garrity-Riley
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: April 20, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 7
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 20, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love picture books and boosting self-esteem
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