Heidi Brooks

By Jessica Woods & Johnny Woods Jr.

Book Review: A Heartwarming Back-to-School Picture Book About Safety, Kindness, and Bravery

If you’re looking for the perfect children’s book to start the school year, this beautifully illustrated picture book is a must-read. Ideal for preschool and early elementary students, this story gently introduces young readers to essential social-emotional learning (SEL) concepts like feeling safe, being kind, and finding courage.

With warm watercolor illustrations and calming neutral tones, the artwork instantly creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for easing first-day-of-school jitters. The soft visuals complement the powerful, yet simple, messages that are so important for children navigating new environments like school, daycare, or community settings.

A Children’s Book That Teaches Safety and Self-Awareness

This story helps children understand what it truly means to feel safe—both physically and emotionally. It encourages young readers to:

• Be aware of their surroundings
• Recognize safe and unsafe situations
• Trust their instincts
• Speak up for themselves
• Practice self-care by resting and slowing down

These lessons are crucial for building confidence and resilience in young learners.

Promoting Kindness in the Classroom and at Home

The theme of kindness is woven beautifully throughout the book. Children are reminded to:

• Be kind to others and share
• Offer help and be a good friend
• Show kindness to themselves during tough moments
• Respect and care for the Earth and all living things

These are wonderful lessons for any early childhood classroom, especially at the beginning of the year when students are learning how to build relationships and community.

Encouraging Bravery in Young Children

Starting school or facing new experiences can be scary for young children. This story promotes bravery in a gentle, inspiring way:

• Try hard things, even when they’re scary
• Don’t hide—be proud of who you are
• Stand by your friends
• Dream big and imagine what could be

The empowering message is just right for back-to-school read-alouds, helping kids feel more confident about taking on new challenges.

Includes SEL Activities and Conversation Starters

What makes this book even more valuable is the inclusion of discussion questions and hands-on activities at the end. These open-ended prompts help children reflect on their feelings and experiences—perfect for kids who might not have the words yet to express themselves. These coloring and drawing activities are ideal for classroom use, homeschool, or bedtime reflection.

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Perfect For:

• Back-to-school reading
• SEL storytime in classrooms
• Parents supporting emotional development at home
• School counselors and therapists
• Teachers building classroom community

If you’re building your child’s social-emotional toolkit, this book is a gentle, powerful resource that encourages children to be safe, kind, and brave every day.