In Madeline Valentine's (The Bad Birthday Idea) psychologically adept picture book, young George proves that you can be brave only by confronting your fears.
The first few illustrations demonstrate just how daring George is, jumping over a snarling dog, confronting a bully and climbing to the top of a tall tree. "But bedtime was a different story," says the text, as George in his red pajamas cowers in the lighted doorway of his pitch-black bedroom, clinging to his red stuffed bear. His parents kiss him goodnight, and as soon as he's alone, he dashes out into the brightly lit hallway. Comical images of George horizontally clinging to the door and also peeking over his blanket contrast with his parents' assurances ("There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of!"). A show-stopping pure-black two-page spread depicts only the whites of George's wide eyes. Dinosaurs, snake and clown toys seem to come alive ("In the dark, George did not feel brave"). In his anxiety, George misplaces his snuggly bear. He reaches over to squeeze the bear, but "it was nowhere to be found.... Then he saw it. In the scariest and darkest place." In his rescue attempt, with bear barely visible in the darkness, "George was almost fearless."
Children will recognize George's words of comfort to his bear: "There is nothing to be scared of," the boy says. "And George felt very brave." As he demonstrates that there's always one more fear to conquer, George makes readers feel that they can be courageous, too. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness