Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you,” which is good advice for the frightened big-voiced bird in Jasper the Brave by Lisa Mueller. Jasper is a young rooster with a huge problem: he’s secretly afraid of the dark. This is problematic because he lives on a farm and should be waking Farmer Bill up each morning. Most roosters crow at sunrise without a second thought, but Jasper spends his nights wide awake, worrying about every little sound he hears or shadow he sees. His barnyard friends try all sorts of ways to lend a hand, like offering warm milk or a nightlight, but nothing seems to work. As the nights go on, it becomes clear that he has a life-altering decision to make: continue being afraid, or find the courage to stop being scared of the dark. This is an inviting, kid-friendly tale about facing fears, leaning on buddies, and discovering that bravery can appear in the most unexpected moments.

Jasper the Brave by Lisa Mueller is a tender, yet funny, story that will help kids feel better about their uneasiness in the dark. Jasper’s over-the-top worries, like thinking there were rats and bats near him when they’re not actually there, and his pals’ imperfect solutions, like sleeping in the same bed as Duke, who snores, will be engaging and amusing to young readers. The writing is direct, making it a strong read-aloud. As an educator, I believe this book will open the door to classroom discussions about fears, coping skills, and how friends can support each other without teasing. I could also see it extended through activities like having students draw a nighttime picture that feels safe to them or playing a feelings charade game. The artwork by Kids Book Art is colorful and full of details. The barnyard scenes and character expressions are clear, helping early learners “read” their feelings without having to read a single word. Overall, this children’s book should have a place in both classroom and home libraries.