‘Bravery doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. It means you go on even though you’re scared.’ - from 'The Land of Stories' by Chris Colfer.

A powerful quote from a popular children's book that exemplifies the essence of bravery. The concept of courage or bravery is universal, transcending cultures with each one having its own unique narrative and depiction. And there’s no better way to introduce our children to these different cultural perspectives than through the colourful world of children’s books. So buckle up, as we explore the richness of various cultures and their embodiment of bravery.

Sultan’s Seal - Middle East
Abounding with tales of Bedouins and their exploits in the harsh desert, Middle Eastern folktales are a treasure trove of bravery stories. ‘Sultan’s Seal’ by Jenny White, seamlessly weaves an engrossing narrative of courage with an inviting glimpse into Ottoman Turkish culture, enabling kids to see bravery depicted beyond their familiar context.

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters - Africa
This awe-inspiring story hailing from Zimbabwe portrays bravery in the face of adversity. A tale of courage, kindness, and wise choices, 'Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters' by John Steptoe showcases African culture and the virtue of bravery woven intricately in the form of a folktale. When the king desires a queen, both daughters prepare to meet him, unaware of their unfolding fate and the courage it would demand.

The Midnight Fox - Western
Tom, the protagonist of 'The Midnight Fox' by Betsy Byars, invites us to the West, where bravery is painted in subtler hues. Confronted with his fear of the countryside, Tom must find courage within himself to explore the unknown and appreciate the beauty of nature. This delicate coming-of-age tale champions the quiet ways in which children can exercise bravery.

Castle In The Sea - Eastern
Set in Japan, 'Castle In The Sea' by Yoshiko Uchida showcases the bravery of two young sisters amidst a raging sea storm. The story beautifully threads the courage of these young girls while blending in Japanese culture, history, and myth effortlessly.

While bravery may be clothed in different cultural nuances, its essence remains the same, making it a universally understood and appreciated virtue. These children's books serve as invaluable tools in helping kids understand and form their own narratives of bravery in their lives. They navigate the vast spectrum of courage in different cultural settings, thereby forming an inclusive perspective and highlighting that bravery is a shared virtue across mankind.

Whether it’s overcoming our deepest fears, making the right choices, standing up for what we believe, or facing adversity head-on, these tales of courage from diverse cultures remind us and inspire our children that 'Courage, dear heart,' as C.S. Lewis said, 'is the magic that turns dreams into reality.'