Sheila Rae, the Brave is a children’s book about a mouse named Sheila Rae and her little sister Louise. Sheila Rae wasn’t afraid of anything: not the dark, not thunder and lightning, not big dogs, not even the principal. One day, Sheila Rae wanted to walk home from school a new way. Louise was scared but not Sheila Rae. Sheila Rae was brave as they walked and walked, until she noticed that nothing looked familiar. They were lost - at least that’s what Sheila Rae thought. But Louise knew better. “I know the way home.” When they got home, Sheila Rae said, “Louise, you are brave.”

Sheila Rae and Louise demonstrate that bravery and courage are not the same for everyone. Each of them showed their courage and confidence in different ways. Together they were able to accomplish things that they might not have been able to individually.

This story also demonstrates the power of small successes. Louise didn’t think she was brave, until Sheila Rae needed her. Louise’s knowledge of how to get home didn’t seem like a big deal to her, but it was a big deal to Sheila Rae. Experiencing that success gave her the courage to do many of the things she used to think were too scary, things that only Sheila Rae would do.

There are also opportunities for safety discussions in this story. Sheila Rae does some reckless things (no helmet, riding with her eyes closed, etc.). These could easily be incorporated into classroom lessons, small group lessons, or even individual sessions with children.