I Will Be Fierce! by Bea Birdsong is a picture book bursting with color and confidence as readers follow the brave main character who, as a fearless knight, faces the courageous hero’s journey we are all too familiar with: a day at school.
She dares to brave new worlds in her armor (an adorable rainbow sweater) and her packed treasure chest (her trusty backpack). We watch her refuse to give up in the face of ferocious monsters (noisy neighborhood dogs) and boldly climb “the Mountain of Knowledge” (the magical school library).
The gentle repetition of the title phrase in this book gives the reader the opportunity to both read aloud the words and in doing so, remind themselves, “Today, I will be fierce!” The confident, punchy affirmations recited by the main character paired with bold and vivid illustrations make for a joyous and uplifting book and in addition, highlight the benefits of a supportive, multicultural community with the inclusion of an array of diverse characters in the community helping our protagonist along the way. Rest assured, readers, both young and old, will walk away feeling ready to brave another day.
(Ages 4-7)
