Brave Enough by Rob Justus
Little brother sees monsters everywhere, but his older sister is unaffected by "phony, baloney make-believe.” So, she is determined to make her little brother brave like her. She whisks her brother around in search of monsters around their neighborhood block, amongst the fields, and the nearby cemetery. But little brother has had enough of his sister's antics. Relentless to coax her brother's fears, she even dresses him in a yellow cape in hopes he will magically turn brave, but her tactic doesn't work. While wandering around town, they unexpectedly fall into a deep dark hole where they encounter a real monster! And while his sister makes the first attempt to ward it off, little brother uses his knowledge of monster mannerisms that assist in transforming the scary monster into a friendly one. Little brother saves the day, conquers his fear, and teaches his sister a lesson on how to be brave just like him. This creative story is filled with vibrant illustrations and infused with rich vocabulary. The author incorporates fun, figurative language and stylistic writing that is engaging and exciting for younger children. Its catchy dialogue and thoughtful format are sure to delight its audience. With humor and wit, Justus demonstrates how a common childhood fear can be combatted with imagination and teaches the reader the powerful lesson that we are all brave in our unique way. Recommended for primary and elementary grade students.