Jasper the Bold(ish)

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition, like starting school or joining a new team, and seems overwhelmed by the pressure to be brave. It speaks directly to the child who feels like an explorer at heart but finds their legs shaking when it is time to actually step through a new door. The story follows Jasper as he prepares for his first day of school, balancing his adventurous spirit with his very real anxieties. This gentle narrative validates that bravery and fear can exist at the exact same time. It is a perfect choice for children ages 3 to 7 who are highly imaginative but perhaps a bit sensitive to new environments. By labeling Jasper as bold-ish, the book provides a helpful new vocabulary for kids to describe their feelings without the shame of feeling like they are not brave enough.