Brave Like Fireweed

by Jesse White

With poetic language and stunning visual storytelling, debut creator Jesse White encourages young readers to explore the interconnectedness between nature and human beings. This book is perfect for fans of Outside In and The Wonderful Things You Will Be.
The journey begins in a young girl's bedroom, the night before a big performance. Excited but nervous, she dreams her way through North American flora and discovers the resilient, powerful, and radiant nature of plants and builds her confidence. Using a blend of social-emotional learning concepts and a poetic interpretation of the natural world, White showcases the complexities of nature alongside her stylistic and emotive art, encouraging readers to explore their feelings and emotions—no matter how big or small.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Shalma]

I am lucky enough to know the author of this beautiful book and have a beloved print of her work hanging in my home. Separately from my love for the author, who is simply a fantastic individual, I just LOVE this book.

The story begins as a young child drifts off to sleep, snuggling her crow stuffie while her mother gently checks on her.

From there, we enter the world White is incredibly talented at creating and exhibiting through her gorgeous, thoughtful writing and artwork. We travel with the main character, honoring nature and learning about the best values one can have in life along the way.

At the end of the story, we arrive with the child at a beautiful culmination of this dreamy natural journey.

White’s work is extraordinary. Her love for nature, art, and most of all, children’s inherent magic, imagination, exploration, adventure, creativity, and intelligence is imbued into everything she creates as an artist and writer. We are so lucky to experience her work.

[Hawthorne & Magnolia]

I am a nature nerd who became fascinated by socio-emotional development during my education career. It’s thrilling to find a book which accurately portrays different biomes, including the resident animals and plants. In each biome, a specific plant is used to embody a trait (i.e. “fierce like the wild rose”). Most of the plants aren’t commonplace like ferns- Jesse White also includes ocotillo, sea oats, and swamp cypress. I loved being introduced to these plants in the context of personality characteristics!

The protagonist is accompanied by a large black bird, which looks like a crow or a raven. These birds are often portrayed negatively, and as someone dedicated to facilitating empathy for animals, I appreciated that choice. White could’ve used a bird with a positive reputation, like an owl, but she created a relatively realistic member of the corvid family.

When I started reading, I assumed this story was going to be exclusively about bravery. When I think of stories encouraging bravery, phrases like “taking charge” come to mind. But this story is calm and touches on more topics. During their nighttime journey, the protagonist experiences mindfulness and is reminded that it’s okay to have big feelings. I wish I could go on a journey like this in my sleep!

Spoilers below:

While there’s so much to love about this beautifully illustrated book, I might like the ending the most. The protagonist has a musical performance the next day, and they prepared themselves mentally and emotionally throughout the night! White could’ve taken a less symbolic approach, but instead she created this poetic journey, which I’m grateful for.

[Rachel]

Beautiful images that are soft, light and earthy help tell a story that compares the emotions and personality traits of a young girl, to the nature elements outside. Like the ocean shells that feel the waves that smooth them out, the girl is also feel deeply. All these comparison lead to showing up that the girl is brave and preparing for a violin recital. Tender and quiet this is a good bedtime book.

[SamSamSam]

Could not hold my attention