Bravery Grows: A story for all children, including those with anxiety or selective mutism

by Dr Melissa Giglio, Daisy Geddes

Overview

We all have bravery inside us, but sometimes we need help for it to grow.

Sometimes it can feel like our voice is loud and strong at home, but away from the house it struggles to come out. Worries about making friends or speaking up in class can creep up on everyone, but with the help of the people who care about us we can all can grow the confidence we need to brave in the incredible world outside.

Bravery Grows explores childhood anxiety and selective mutism, demonstrating how adults can support children to build their brave muscles and encourage their brave voice to come out. It is ideal for kids aged 3+ who are working to overcome their fears. It also contains an adult guide providing more information about selective mutism, giving advice on how to use the book to aid discussion on this topic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781805011736
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	05/21/2025
Pages:	56
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Dr Melissa Ortega Giglio is a clinical psychologist specialising in the treatment of anxiety disorders and ADHD. She is director of a multidisciplinary clinic supporting children and families in Hong Kong and previously worked at the Child Mind Institute in New York. Dr Giglio is the creator and director of Confident Crew, an intensive therapy treatment program for SM and Social Anxiety Disorder, the only one of its kind available in Asia. She divides her time between Hong Kong and the USA.

Daisy Geddes is an assistant psychologist and the associate director of the Selective Mutism programme at the Child Development Team in Hong Kong. She works closely with Dr Giglio to train clinicians, provide services and trainings in schools and support to families all over Asia. Daisy divides her time between Hong Kong and London.

Ira Baykovska is a children's book illustrator based in Lviv, Ukraine. She has illustrated more than 20 children's books.

Editorial Reviews

Bravo to Dr Giglio and Ms Geddes for capturing the roller coaster of emotions that defines the journey of living with a child anxiety problem, such as selective mutism, and working hard to overcome it. In a truly child-friendly fashion, they educate and inspire children and parents alike. Yes, it's a terrible frustrating dilemma to be stuck in. And yes, while a child may not have their brave muscles developed YET, they can, with a good coach, good brave talking practice techniques and lots of encouragement, work to see their home and outside worlds come together as one unified voice. I can't wait to read this with my patients and in our camps.

Steven MS Kurtz

This sweet, rhymed story is about a little girl who is lively and boisterous at home but freezes up and can't speak when she's at the playground or at school. Her parents encourage her to try "brave talking" and she practices until her confidence swells and her words flow. It introduces facing fears by taking small steps and illustrates how it takes practice to build brave muscles. Ages 4-8.

a selective mutism expert from the Child Mind Institute

Dr Melissa Giglio is Hong Kong's leading expert on anxiety in children and selective mutism. This book brings the skills and knowledge taught in the successful Confident Crew program to life in a beautiful story. Bravery Grows is an invaluable resource for both parents and educators who are supporting children with anxiety.

Dr Jacqueline Wolf

Through its engaging story, Bravery Grows not only helps young readers, it provides a valuable resource for parents. Through modeling co-regulation, and the validation of a child's feelings and experiences, parents of children who deal with anxiety will be empowered to help their child build skills and build the kind of relationship with them that fosters resilience.

Tina Payne Bryson

In my classroom, I use children's books as a meaningful and powerful tool for delivering academic content and exploring topics connected to social and emotional development. Bravery Grows, is delivered in a relatable way with endless opportunities for discussion about the characters feelings, actions, and bravery. This book addresses important topics in ways that left me saying, "I know so many children who will benefit from this book," "We need more books like this," and "Where has this book been?"

Lauren Jordan

Bravery Grows is a book that all therapists and caregivers should have on their shelves. Kids working on "brave talking" will love reading about how to practice and grow their brave muscles.

Rachel Busman

Gently encouraging

Kirkus Reviews

Bravery Grows shares the journey of a child with Selective Mutism. We learn that growing brave muscles takes one small step at a time. Children that feel similar can easily identify with the emotions described throughout the story as confidence comes and goes. Adults will also find this book helpful as they navigate how to support children who are growing their bravery. As a school counselor and mother, I highly recommend adding this beautiful story to your bookshelf.

Lauren Seaberg