Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters

Team Supercrew Series A children’s book about big emotions, bravery, and first day of school jitters.

Children - Educational
32 Pages
Reviewed on 10/10/2022
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Author Biography

Julie Anne Penn is a wife, mother, and award-winning author of the Team Supercrew Book Series. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and taught grades 1-3 in a small seaside school in New Zealand. She continues her love of teaching and service through her weekly work with NY Common Pantry and ongoing study of child psychology and development. She’s also a decent ballet dancer, a lake lover, and a self-admitted chocoholic.


Darren Penn is a husband, dad, and award-winning author of the Team Supercrew Book Series. He has a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and Literature, is a native New Yorker, and a self-admitted daydreamer. Some things he dreams about: empowering kids, doughnuts, and becoming the next lefty starter for the New York Yankees.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite

Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters (Team Supercrew Series) by Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn highlights the important connection between our thoughts and feelings. In this engaging story, we meet Sarah, a young girl who is understandably nervous about starting a new school. Sarah is concerned about what her teacher might be like, and if anyone will play with her. Benny the Brave comes to assist Sarah and after reassuring her that her fears are completely normal, offers a fresh way for Sarah to look at this new beginning. Sharing the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy, Benny shows Sarah how powerful thoughts can be. Charming illustrations convey Sarah’s emotions throughout the story brilliantly. Useful and easy ways to implement cognitive behavioral therapy are also included.

Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn’s Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters offers practical and empowering tools to help children deal with fear positively and constructively. Readers of all ages will relate to Sarah’s concerns as she begins a new school. Told in a warm and upbeat manner, this story will encourage children to believe in themselves and their abilities to face difficult situations. As Benny encourages Sarah to view these new changes as an exciting time in her life, young readers will see how they too can apply this to challenges in their own lives. Parents and teachers may find this book to be a valuable resource in helping children discuss their fears, as well as a positive way to cope with these issues. This uplifting book is a highly recommended read.