Bryson the Brave Bison: Finding the Courage to Face the Storm

by Nate Davenport, Luke Freshwater, Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator)

Overview

In this world of challenges, we all need a hero … and here comes Bryson the Brave Bison! In the face of a big storm, Bryson shows his crew and the entire herd, that you can get through anything with a little bravery and self-confidence.

Follow one brave bison as he leads his herd to face a challenge and overcome it in this original rhyming story. Combined with dynamic artwork from New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey, this legend comes alive!

Bryson the Brave Bison:

• is written in lyrical rhyme perfect for read-alouds
• features unique vintage style artwork from NYT bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey
• highlights positive character traits such as bravery, courage, and trust
• is an ideal gift for any time of year

From debut authors Nate Davenport and Luke Freshwater, Bryson the Brave Bison teaches children positive character traits such as bravery, honesty, and perseverance and shows them that with courage they can face the storms in life. Nate and Luke are good friends, intentional fathers, and business leaders who frequently speak about bravery and courage with their children and in business. Bryson the Brave Bison was inspired by Luke’s service as a firefighter in Idaho and as an Army bomb squad leader in the war in Afghanistan.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310153108
Publisher:	Zonderkidz
Publication date:	06/27/2023
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.38(w) x 11.32(h) x 0.37(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Nate Davenport resides in the greater Lexington, KY area. He and his wife Suzanna have two children, Crews and Lyla, and a golden doodle named Heidi. Nate’s passion for literature and writing comes from his father Jeff, who is an author too! Nate earned a degree in youth ministry from Cedarville University, where he also played baseball. He currently works as a sales leader in the medical space. Nate’s mission is to impact the lives of children through whimsical literature filled with positivity and truth.

Luke Freshwater resides in the greater Columbus, OH area with his wife Megan and their five young children. Luke served as a forest firefighter in Idaho and as an Army bomb squad leader in the war in Afghanistan. He went to NC State University and Cedarville University, where he played baseball. Luke is currently a sales leader, aspiring bison farmer, and dedicated to the pursuit of intentional fatherhood while positively impacting the lives of fatherless children.

Richard Cowdrey's favorite things to draw and paint are the things that reflect the awesomeness of God and his creation. From vast landscapes to the littlest bug on a leaf, Richard marvels at the beauty in the details. Richard's bestselling children's books include Fiona the Hippo, Legend of the Candy Cane, Bad Dog, Marley and A Very Marley Christmas.

Editorial Reviews

2023-03-14
When should we run away from danger, and when should we run into it?

Bryson is far from the largest or strongest of his bison herd and lacks artistic gifts, but he has “smarts” (an accompanying illustration suggests that higher-order math is his domain). He and his friends enjoy the “wide-open ranges and canyons so grand.” They fear thunderstorms but, unfortunately, live in a region where they are common. One day a storm breaks out. Bryson’s “plan”: run into the storm. The text lauds the “courage he chose,” though it’s not clear why he was sure they’d be safe as the lightning strikes all around them, nor how he knew which direction would take them out of the storm. Where is the line between bravery and foolhardiness? The verse is sometimes awkward and not always coherent (“He used his big thinker, no matter the season”—is it more difficult to think at some times of the year? Does lightning “boom like a drum”?). The illustrations might override doubts, however. They are vibrantly wacky; realistic yet expressive bison sport human haircuts, with hooves that are otherwise convincingly natural but in a pinch can grip. The underlying message is a good one: Face fears boldly, and you can get through to the other side. But here, confronting fear means running right into the path of lightning. Do NOT try this at home! (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A tale with lively illustrations but challenging prosody and an inadvertently risky takeaway. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews