Bravery Grows

Dr Melissa Giglio and Daisy Geddes smilingat and holding their book "Bravery Grows". They are sitting on the edge of a two different couches, next to each other.

Written By Dr Melissa Giglio and Daisy Geddes

We all have bravery inside us, but sometimes we need help for it to grow.

Sometimes it can feel like our voice is loud and strong at home, but away from the house it struggles to come out. Worries about making friends or speaking up in class can creep up on everyone, but with the help of the people who care about us we can all can grow the confidence we need to brave in the incredible world outside.

Bravery Grows explores childhood anxiety and selective mutism, demonstrating how adults can support children to build their brave muscles and encourage their brave voice to come out. It is ideal for kids aged 3+ who are working to overcome their fears. It also contains an adult guide providing more information about selective mutism, giving advice on how to use the book to aid discussion on this topic.

"Bravery Grows" book cover. It is a drawing of a young girl with selective mutism and she is proudly raising her hands in the air and smiling. She is surrounded by flowers and leaves.

Bravery Grows

Bravery Grows is a beautifully illustrated story that gently explores childhood anxiety and selective mutism. It's designed to help kids aged 3+ understand their feelings, and to give adults practical ways to support them.

It’s perfect for:

  • Children who struggle to speak up outside the home

  • Parents, caregivers, and teachers looking for ways to build bravery

  • Anyone supporting a child with selective mutism or social anxiety

Includes a helpful cargiver guide with psychologist tips for caregivers.

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Bravery Grows journal and workbook cover. The background is a cartoon landscape of grass and a blue sky. It says "The Bravery Grows Journal" on it. A draewing of a girl with her bravery glowing is peeking over the title.

Bravery Grows Journal and Workbook

The Bravery Grows Journal and Workbook is a unique six-month guided journal designed to support children ages 4–12 in building bravery and overcoming anxiety-related challenges, including issues like selective mutism and social anxiety.

Key features include:

  • Step-by-step Exposure Activities: Clear, developmentally appropriate exercises designed to gently expand comfort zones, based on best-practice CBT and exposure techniques.

  • Psychoeducation for Parents & Children: Explanations to help families understand how anxiety functions and why facing fears, instead of avoiding them, builds lasting confidence.

  • Engaging Activities: Exploring planning, reflecting, and role-playing to make practicing bravery fun and practical for even the youngest participants. Includes CBT-based activities, exposure exercises, and evidence-based child anxiety support.

  • Goal-Tracking & Progress Charts: Children and parents can see achievements and stay motivated as they go through their bravery journey.

  • Easy Access Resource: Beneficial for families waiting for professional services or wanting to reinforce therapy at home.

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The cover of Brave Talks with Dr Melissa & Daisy. A picture of Dr Melissa and Daisy Geddes smiling with the bravery grow logo and title underneath. The background is a landscape of grass and a blue sky.

Brave Talk with Dr Melissa & Daisy

Brave Talk with Dr. Melissa and Daisy is a compassionate and practical podcast about helping children and the adults who care for them face fears with courage. Hosted by child psychologist Dr. Melissa Giglio and associate psychologist Daisy Geddes, the show explores real stories and expert insights about childhood anxiety, selective mutism, emotional regulation, and the everyday challenges of parenting brave kids in a busy world. With warmth, humor, and evidence-based guidance, each episode offers tools and perspective to nurture confidence, connection, and resilience one brave conversation at a time.

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Dr Melissa and Daisy Geddes smiling at each other and holding their book "Bravery Grows"

“We all have bravery inside us, but sometimes we need help for it to grow.”

  • "Bravo to Dr Giglio and Ms Geddes for capturing the roller coaster of emotions that defines the journey of living with a child anxiety problem, such as selective mutism, and working hard to overcome it. In a truly child-friendly fashion, they educate and inspire children and parents alike. Yes, it's a terrible frustrating dilemma to be stuck in. And yes, while a child may not have their brave muscles developed YET, they can, with a good coach, good brave talking practice techniques and lots of encouragement, work to see their home and outside worlds come together as one unified voice. I can't wait to read this with my patients and in our camps."

    Steven MS Kurtz, Ph.D., ABPP Clinical Psychologist, Might Mouths & Brave Buddies Selective Mutism Programs Founder

  • "Bravery Grows shares the journey of a child with Selective Mutism. We learn that growing brave muscles takes one small step at a time. Children that feel similar can easily identify with the emotions described throughout the story as confidence comes and goes. Adults will also find this book helpful as they navigate how to support children who are growing their bravery. As a School Counselor and mother, I highly recommend adding this beautiful story to your bookshelf."

    Lauren Seaberg, M.S., International School Counselor

  • "Bravery Grows should be on the bookshelf of every child with social anxiety looking to learn about anxiety symptoms and ways to strengthen their 'brave muscles.' Parents will appreciate the many practical examples of how they can effectively encourage and support their child to face their fears. A concise and enjoyable read, packed with expert wisdom and evidence-based skills!"

    Dr Jami Furr, Ph.D., Past-President, Selective Mutism Association

  • "I read it to my 6 year old twin daughters with SM last night before bed. I think it really gave them encouragement because they hit a new milestone today with their brave talking! I own every storybook about SM and I have to say that yours is one of my favs."

    Anonymous mother

  • "With catchy rhymes that beautifully depict the journey of children with anxiety, Bravery Grows delivers an empowering message to any children who have ever had their bravery glow dim. Definitely adding this to my collection of must have books for my students, families, and teachers!"

    Makiko Maeyama, ME.d., International School Counselor