Kevin Henkes has several great books in his collection. This particular one I chose is "Sheila Rae, The Brave". I love this story because it portrays a fearless character who isn't afraid of anything. Young children can relate to this character because, typically, they aren't afraid of much either. Sheila wasn't afraid of the dark, thunder or lightning, or big dogs. She tied up bullies and laughed when the principal walked by her in the hall. She stepped on cracks, fought off monsters in closets, and rode her bike with no hands! Fearless she was, until one day she decided she would walk home. Her little sister, who looked up to her in every way, said she was afraid to walk home. Sheila set out on her journey home and ended up getting lost. She tried to convince herself she was still brave and fearless, but out of her element she was terrified! She cried for mom, dad, and Louise, her sister. To Sheila's surprise, Louise was there! She had followed her and remembered the way back home. The little sister saved the day and Sheila was so thankful! This story can portray being brave no matter how small you are. Students could write stories about a time in their life where they had to be brave and get through a situation that was scary. It could also show them that you don't always have to be brave and that it is OK to ask for help when needed!

Lexile: 500L

ATOS Reading Level: 2.5

Reading A-Z: K

Louise wishes she was brave like her big sister, Shelia Rae. When Shelia Rae gets lost on an adventure, Louise learns to face her fears and saves the day. I would implement this book in my classroom as an anchor chart on what makes someone brave. This book is intended for K, 1st and 2nd graders.

Genre: Humor / Family / Bravery

Year Published: 1987
 
Year Read: 1994

“Sheila Rae, the Brave” is a children’s book written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes and it is about how a brave little mouse named Sheila Rae tells everyone that she is not afraid of anything, at least until she gets lost in the woods when she tried to find a new way home.  “Sheila Rae, the Brave” is an unforgettable classic that children both young and old will cherish for many years to come.

Kevin Henkes has brilliantly written and illustrated the charming story about Sheila Rae showing everyone how brave she is and how her younger sister Louise eventually showed her that she does not have to be brave by herself.  Kevin Henkes makes the theme of the story worthwhile since Sheila Rae claims that she is not afraid of anything and even calls Louise a scaredy cat because Louise was always afraid of everything.  But, when Sheila Rae is lost in the woods, it is her sister Louise who comes to the rescue, proving that the power of love is enough courage for anyone.  Kevin Henkes’ illustrations are colorful and cute as the main characters are mice, which is evident in most of his books.  The illustration that I loved the most was the illustration of Sheila Rae and Louise hugging each other after Sheila Rae gets lost in the woods since it shows how much the two care for each other, despite Sheila Rae calling her sister a coward.

“Sheila Rae, the Brave” is a wonderful children’s book about the true meaning of courage and how love for a family member can bring out the courage inside of you.  I would recommend this book to children of all ages since even the older children would enjoy Sheila Rae’s bravery being displayed throughout this book.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog