Be Brave, Be Kind: Standing Up to a Bully
A story about bullying exclusion, rewritten for your child
Every page is redrawn around the child you make it for. Keep the story’s own hero and give them your child’s name, or choose someone new — it takes a minute, and nothing is locked in.
From$34.99 USD
Free to start. No payment to see your child in the story.
- 30 pages, hardcover
- 5.9 × 5.9 in
- Ages 5-7
- Premium, thick pages
- Free standard shipping included
- Printed & delivered in 2-3 weeks (US)
Start with the story’s own hero or pick from our cast — then give them your child’s name.
A personalized story that gives kids 5–7 the words and courage to stand up to bullying.
That’s the story. The rest is how it becomes your child’s.
How personalization works
Who is this story about?
Keep the story’s own hero
The hero is already written and drawn for this book. Give them your child’s name if you like — that’s the whole edit.
Or swap in one of our cast
Eight characters to start from, and you rename whoever you pick.
- Luna
- Theo
- Mateo
- Sofia
- Amara
- Layla
- Mei
- Ravi
Or make your own
Describe them in a sentence, or add a photo to guide the likeness. Either way, entirely optional.
The characters are just the start.
Every part of this book is yours to change. Not a name dropped into a template — the whole thing is redrawn around the child you’re making it for.
- Every illustrationAll 30 pages are drawn fresh, not stamped with a face.
- The rooms and placesYour child's actual bedroom, your street, the places the story visits.
- The objects that recurThe specific blanket, the toy they won’t sleep without — carried page to page.
- Everyone else in itSiblings, grandparents, the dog. Named and drawn as themselves.
- The story itselfChange what happens, and the words on the page change with it.
- Or change nothingPick a hero and read it tonight. The rest is there when you want it.
What's Inside This Book
1 of 16 spreads
Every character, scene, and object in this book can be replaced with your own — your child's name, your family photos, your home, your school.
What you get
Free to start. No payment to see your child in the story.
Start free
- Free to start — no card needed
- See your child in the story in minutes
- Rename the hero and edit the story text
- Choose a ready-made character, or add a photo later
- Export a PDF of what you make
Your perfect keepsake
Hardcover book
- Full-color hardcover, 15×15cm
- Free standard shipping included
- Printed & delivered in about 2-3 weeks (US)
- Personalize names, story text & style
- Add your own photos once you are in the editor
Quick summary of Be Brave, Be Kind: Standing Up to a Bully
Be Brave, Be Kind is a personalized picture book for ages 5-7 that gives children practical words and emotional courage to stand up to bullying. Through an engaging story, kids learn to respond with kindness while setting boundaries, building resilience and confidence in social situations.
This personalized children's book follows Milo, aged 5–7, as he learns to stand up to a bully named Rex with help from his friend Zara and teacher Ms. Rivera. Your child's name replaces Milo's, making the courage-building story feel personally relevant and actionable.
Key Takeaways
- Builds confidence to speak up using a calm, firm voice modeled through story rehearsal
- Teaches children the critical difference between telling tales and reporting genuine harm
- Shows that seeking adult help is brave, not weak, through Ms. Rivera's warm response
- Normalizes peer support by modeling how a single caring friend can shift a child's distress
- Reinforces that kindness and courage are inseparable values, not competing choices
Why This Book Works
Bibliotherapy — using stories to rehearse real-life scenarios — is one of the most evidence-backed tools for helping young children navigate social conflict. Dr. Lawrence Cohen, author of Playful Parenting, notes that children process difficult emotions most effectively through narrative and imaginative play. When your child hears Milo say 'Stop. That is not kind,' in a calm, firm voice, they are mentally rehearsing that exact script — making it far more accessible in a real moment of stress.
A 2019 review published in the Journal of School Psychology found that children who received explicit coaching in assertive language showed significantly lower rates of bullying victimization over a 12-month period. Be Brave, Be Kind does this work naturally: Zara and Milo practice the words together, modeling peer co-regulation before the confrontation even happens. Personalization amplifies this effect — research by Dr. Adriana Bus (Leiden University) confirms that children engage more deeply with stories where they see themselves as the protagonist.
The story's portrayal of Rex — not as a cartoonish villain but as a child whose behavior quietly shifts — gives young readers a more truthful and ultimately less frightening picture of bullying dynamics. Child psychologist Dr. Michele Borba, author of Unselfie, emphasizes that empathy-building requires children to consider the bully's perspective without excusing the harm. This nuanced ending invites exactly that conversation, helping children develop sophisticated social-emotional reasoning earlier than many parents expect.
Common Misconceptions
Kids should just ignore a bully and they'll stop.
Research from the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program shows ignoring rarely stops bullying and can increase a child's sense of helplessness. Calm, assertive responses combined with adult reporting are significantly more effective.
Telling a teacher makes bullying worse by causing retaliation.
When schools follow structured intervention protocols, teacher involvement reduces repeat incidents. Dr. Dan Olweus's 40-year research base shows adult supervision and clear consequences are the single strongest deterrents.
Bullying is just a normal part of childhood kids must toughen through.
The American Psychological Association links repeated bullying exposure to lasting anxiety, depression, and academic disengagement — making early, supported intervention essential rather than optional.
How to Read This Book with Your Child
Best time to read: Read proactively before an incident occurs — ideally during a calm evening routine. Re-read immediately if your child mentions being bullied or witnessing unkindness.
Tell your child: 'This story is about a boy who feels small when someone is mean to him — and what he does about it.' Ask if they've ever seen someone be unkind on the playground. Keep it conversational, not interrogative. Let them know it's safe to share anything the story brings up.
Conversation Starters
- “Who is one grown-up at school you would feel safe telling?”
- “What would you do if you saw Rex being mean to someone else?”
- “Can you think of a time you used a calm, brave voice?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book appropriate for my 5-year-old who's experiencing bullying?
Yes. Be Brave, Be Kind is designed for ages 5-7 and uses age-appropriate language and illustrations. The personalized format makes it feel directly relevant to your child's situation, helping them feel understood and less alone.
How does this book help my child actually respond to bullies?
The story models specific, kind responses to unkind behavior. Children learn exact phrases they can use, see how the main character handles different scenarios, and practice the confidence needed to set boundaries while maintaining kindness.
Will reading this book make my child feel labeled or singled out?
The personalized format means the story feels like it's written specifically for your child, making them feel seen and supported rather than labeled. Many parents read it together, turning it into a bonding and conversation opportunity.
Can I use this book if bullying is mild or preventative?
Absolutely. This book works both as a preventative tool and for active situations. It teaches all children valuable skills in standing up for themselves and others, building confidence and kindness regardless of their current circumstances.
What makes this different from other anti-bullying books?
The personalization and focus on both courage AND kindness distinguish this book. Rather than just addressing the problem, it empowers children with practical language and emotional tools, emphasizing that standing up can be done with empathy.
Is this book for children being bullied, bullying others, or both?
It works for both situations. Children being bullied learn to respond confidently and kindly. Children who are bullying learn to understand others' feelings and the impact of their behavior, building empathy and better choices.
A story about bullying exclusion, rewritten for your child
Free to start. No payment to see your child in the story.
You Might Also Like
More Stories Like This
Losing a Beloved Pet
Goodbye, My Best Friend
A gentle, personalized story helping children ages 3–5 grieve the loss of their dog with love and hope.
Building Inner Courage
How to Be Brave Personalized Children's Book
A gentle story about courage for little ones who feel wobbly inside.
Growth Through "Not Yet
The Magnificent Maybe: A Personalized Growth Mindset Book
A personalized story teaching kids that 'not yet' is the start of something great.
Setting Boundaries With Others
It's Okay to Say No – A Personalized How to Say No Book for Kids
Teach your child the power of 'no' through a story starring them. Builds body autonomy and confidence.