Jackie the Brave: Faces Darkness
#2 in Jackie the Brave Series
What’s inside...
Jackie the Brave Faces Darkness is the second book in a series of seven children's books that follows the adventures of a small black puppy named Jackie. The book focuses on Jackie overcoming his fear of the dark with the help of his adopted Christian family who teach him to pray and trust in God's protection. The series explores common fears and provides biblical solutions, ending each book with a Bible verse to reinforce the message of hope and God's everlasting presence.
Discussion points
How do you think Jackie felt when she faced the darkness? Can you relate to her feelings?
What do you think helped Jackie to be brave? Have you ever used similar strategies to overcome your fears?
Why is it important to face our fears, just like Jackie did?
What would you have done if you were in Jackie's situation?
How did Jackie change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you faced a fear, which will help your child feel more comfortable sharing their own experiences.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, which can lead to a deeper understanding and discussion of the events.
Validate your child’s feelings and fears as you discuss the book, reassuring them that it’s normal to be scared and emphasizing the bravery in facing those fears.
Ask your child to imagine different endings or scenarios in the story, which can foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
Link the themes of the book to real-life situations your child may encounter, helping them apply the lessons learned from Jackie’s experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Jackie demonstrates bravery by confronting her fear of the dark throughout her adventure in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by facing their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of a class, or sleeping alone in their room.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: In the story, Jackie shows understanding and kindness to creatures she meets in the dark, who are misunderstood by others.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be compassionate and understanding towards classmates who may seem different or face their own challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of asking for help
Explanation: Jackie learns that seeking help from her friends can make facing the dark easier and less frightening.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it's okay to ask for help from parents, teachers, or friends when they are dealing with difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through difficulties
Explanation: Despite her initial fear, Jackie persists on her journey, showcasing determination.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to keep trying and not give up when facing their own difficulties, be it in learning a new skill or solving a tough puzzle.
Example Lesson: Understanding and overcoming misconceptions
Explanation: Jackie discovers that the darkness isn't as scary as she thought, learning to distinguish between imagined fears and reality.
Real-World Application: This can help children to challenge their own misconceptions or fears and learn to separate fact from fiction in their everyday life.