Brave as a Lion: A fun way to explore feelings with 2-5-year-olds through play
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This interactive board book is designed to help young children understand and express their emotions through the metaphor of animals. Each page encourages kids to choose their mood and learn about feelings in a playful and engaging way.
Age
2-5
Length
10 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the lion felt when he was brave? Can you show me a brave face?
What are some ways you can be brave like the lion?
Can you think of a time when you felt scared and how you overcame it?
What would you do if you met someone who was feeling afraid?
How do you feel after doing something brave?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive gestures and facial expressions to demonstrate feelings discussed in the book, helping your child connect emotionally with the story.
Praise your child for sharing their feelings and thoughts, reinforcing the importance of open communication about emotions.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences with fear and bravery to make the discussion more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage your child to draw or act out parts of the story to deepen their understanding and engagement with the book’s themes.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to keep the conversation flowing and to delve deeper into their emotional insights.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: Through engaging storytelling, the book illustrates various emotions, helping children identify and name them.
Real-World Application: Children can use their understanding of emotions to better communicate their feelings and empathize with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: Through the adventures of the characters, children learn about bravery and the importance of facing fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to confront their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or dealing with challenging situations.
Example Lesson: The Power of Play
Explanation: The book showcases how play can be both fun and educational, demonstrating different games and activities.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in similar play activities to explore their emotions and learn new skills in a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Expression Through Art
Explanation: Characters in the book use drawing and other forms of art to express their emotions, highlighting the importance of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use art as a form of self-expression, aiding in emotional regulation and personal development.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story teaches children to understand and respect the feelings of others, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children build better relationships by appreciating how others might feel in different situations.