Gracie Brave – Review & how we used in our home

I was contacted by Graciebrave.org to be a part of their affiliate program. I would read the book with our family, review and share the book, and get a fun discount for all of you!

When they reached out, the information that was shared with me was:

Gracie Brave is a children’s book that has evolved into a children’s brand that includes educational tools, nurturing and inspirational toys, and is a 100% non-profit foundation first and foremost.
The story book of Gracie Brave was authored by licensed therapist Kate Eldean and co-author Pam Krikke. The story is written in a whimsical fashion and features a little girl named Gracie who is dealing with childhood depression. While the book indirectly shares Gracie’s struggles, it is still written from a child-like perspective and focuses on the concept of a young girl that is challenged when it comes to facing the world. But through her support stuffed toy Ellie the Elephant, and some other friends she meets on an adventure, she learns to be brave, embracing her unique self and opening up to exploring the world around her. This book is really a story for all children that have any sense of fear or concern and introduces them to the bravery they can find within themselves.

Gracie Brave Marketing Team

Upon reading this, I knew it would be a good fit for our Stella. She is a little girl with BIG emotions. When it comes to things like mom and dad going on vacation, apologizing for a wrong, doing something new, or unclear directions, she often tells us she has a tummy ache.

We originally thought it could be an escape mechanism, but we realized its likely she it is an escape mechanism because she is scared and anxious and really does have a worried tummy over it.

Our Review

Reading the book I thought it was very sweet. They never come out and say this little girl has a diagnosis, but they bring up talking to a doctor and a parent. I love that it opens up this line of conversation but also does not make it taboo.

I like that the elephant is a cute object to help Gracie through it and you can either purchase your own elephant at graciebrave.org or you can parallel it to a comfort item your child already has.

The balloon imagery was powerful and helpful.

I love that Gracie meets someone else who is different and they can talk about how being different is good. Being an autism sibling I think it helps Stella see that there are different forms of different and all are ok.

Overall, I think this is a sweet book and is a great tool to help a child with some big emotions. I think coming out of pandemic can have a lot of big emotions that need to be navigated so it would be a great tool to have in the schools, counselor offices, and homes.

How it helps Stella

We talked about the times her belly hurt and what may have brought on those worries. We paralleled the elephant to her Olivia doll. We talked about how it is ok to have big emotions, but know she is always loved. Things can be scary but she has people she can rely on.

The closing eyes and using the balloon imagery was one of the more powerful aspects of the book for her. She took time during the book to practice. She told me, I can’t see it! I told her pretend. Use her imagination. It is not really there, but she can pretend. She took a deep breath and tried again. I could see peace cross her face. Then, when I went to continue reading, she said, “wait! I am not done! I need to see it float more.” She let me know when she was ready to continue.

We finished the book and thanked her for reading with me. She hugged me and I kissed her on the cheek. I could feel an immediate bond and like she felt she could release these emotions somewhere.

I love that we have this experience and this book in our tools to help her. When she is struggling I can remind her to be “Stella Brave” and she is having some worried tummy and we can picture the balloon again. I can hold her again. We can help her navigate.

Discount

For a 10% discount off the entire store, use the code STAYATHOMEZOOKEEPER10. There are many great products in the store, and I genuinely believe this book will be a great tool for many families, educators, counselors, and more.