I'm Brave! I'm Strong! I'm Five!

Praise

★ “Kulikov’s playful mixed media illustrations create hints of malice and magic in the night that are revealed through the child’s investigations. While there are other stories that deal with bedtime and the terrifying transformation of innocuous shapes in the night, this story stands out for its ability to break down bravery into small, manageable steps. . . .  The protagonists’ fears and worries are completely relatable and readers will joyfully join in the refrain of, ‘I’m brave! I’m strong! I’m five!’ A first purchase for libraries serving young children.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review
 
“Cinematic and bold, Kulikov’s crosshatched illustrations effectively use lighting to create and then dispel Sasha’s fearful imaginings. . . . Equal parts sincere and entertaining, this is a story that affirms and empowers children as they face their own bedtime fears. —The Horn Book
 
“The multimedia illustrations, with their interesting lighting effects, crosshatching that creates a rich surface effect, and deep nighttime colors, provide an appropriate setting for this engaging bedtime story. Just creepy enough to validate both fears and bravery.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Best’s story is a lively and reassuring take on developing autonomy and independence, and Sasha’s bold, repeated assertion about her own abilities will be especially comforting to little ones. Kulikov’s full-color, heavily crosshatched artwork adds to the night-time atmosphere, zooming in on expressive neighbors, shadowy creatures in corners, and the warm glow of Sasha’s flashlight, which helps debunk her fears.”—Booklist