Equip preschoolers with the courage to face challenges and overcome fear. This page offers books, activities, and Bible verses that help children develop bravery and trust in God, providing them with the confidence to navigate their world with a courageous heart.
David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
David shows courage by trusting God and defeating the giant Goliath with just a slingshot.
Daniel in the Lions' Den (Daniel 6)
Daniel remains courageous and faithful to God, even when he is thrown into the lion's den.
Esther's Courage (Esther 4-7)
Queen Esther bravely risks her life to approach the king and save her people.
Joshua and the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6)
Joshua leads the Israelites in marching around Jericho, courageously trusting God's unusual instructions.
Moses and the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
Moses shows courage as he leads the Israelites out of Egypt, trusting God to part the Red Sea for their escape.
Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)
The three friends refuse to worship a false idol, courageously facing the fiery furnace, where God protects them.
Gideon's 300 Men (Judges 7)
Gideon shows courage by trusting God’s plan to defeat the Midianites with only 300 men.
The Spies and the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14)
Joshua and Caleb demonstrate courage by believing God will help them take the Promised Land, despite the fear of the other spies.
Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:16-40)
Paul and Silas show courage and faith in God by praying and singing while imprisoned, and God miraculously frees them.
Healed Through the Roof (Luke 5:17-26)
The friends of a paralyzed man show courage by carrying him to Jesus and lowering him through the roof to receive healing.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall tells the story of Jabari, a young boy who is ready to jump off the diving board for the first time. Though he feels brave, Jabari struggles with fear and hesitation, but with gentle encouragement from his father, he gathers the courage to take the leap. This story beautifully captures the mix of emotions that come with facing new challenges.
Second in this series, God, I Feel Scared by Michelle Nietert explains that our emotions are given to us by God. Some feel wonderful, while others aren’t as fun. Also learn:
Get a child ready for kindergarten with the ABCJesusLovesMe 4 Year Curriculum. The engaging, easy-to-follow lesson plans and activities focus on age-appropriate academics, Bible stories, character training, and developmental skills, providing the perfect foundation for a child’s educational journey. Ideal for both home and preschool use, ensure that your child or students are confident and prepared for the next step!
"We're going on a bear hunt. We're not afraid. Can't go around it. Better go through it." These well-known lines from We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen highlight the themes of courage and perseverance. Enjoy bringing the story to life by acting it out with your little ones!
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The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Vashti who believes she can't draw. Through the encouragement of her teacher, she makes a single dot on a piece of paper, which sparks her creativity and self-confidence. The book teaches children about the power of self-expression, perseverance, and the courage to get started.
For late preschool or early elementary: The Berenstain Bears and the In-Crowd by Stan and Jan Berenstain follows Brother Bear as he navigates the pressures of fitting in with a popular group at school. When he joins the "in-crowd," he learns that being part of a group isn't as important as being true to himself and treating others with kindness. The story teaches valuable lessons about peer pressure, friendship, and staying true to who you are.
A Warrior Prince for God is a captivating tale that follows Luke's journey from facing playground bullies to confronting spiritual challenges with courage. Through vivid dreams and encounters with a wise mentor, Luke learns the timeless lessons of faith, bravery, and standing firm in his beliefs. With rich Biblical truths woven throughout, this engaging book is perfect for children aged six and above, offering not just an entertaining story but also valuable lessons on becoming strong and resilient warriors for God. This is the book I used with our boys and led Little Man to salvation. Read more...
Princess with a Purpose mirrors the engaging storytelling of A Warrior Prince for God, offering young girls a captivating narrative about a girl's journey to becoming a true princess.
Through her experiences at Princess Prep School, she learns that true beauty emanates from within, from a heart filled with love for her King and others. With its heartfelt message and relatable lessons, this book, complete with verses and a salvation prayer, is a delightful read for young princesses, emphasizing the importance of inner beauty and faith. Read more...
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The Color Monster by Anna Llenas is a delightful story that helps young children understand and express their emotions through colors. The Color Monster wakes up feeling confused, so he seeks help to sort out his feelings, represented by different colors. With vibrant illustrations and interactive pop-ups, this engaging book not only teaches kids about emotions but also encourages them to identify and talk about their own feelings.
The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper is a classic tale about a small but determined engine tasked with pulling a long train over a steep mountain after bigger engines refuse to help. With the mantra “I think I can, I think I can,” the little engine perseveres and succeeds. This timeless story teaches children the values of optimism, courage, and hard work, inspiring them to overcome challenges. This one of my favorite preschool books.
Where's God When I'm Scared?, a Veggie Tales classic that helps children understand how God is always with them, even in times of fear. Through the story of Junior Asparagus facing his fears, children learn that God is a comforting presence who is never far away. The video encourages trust in God's protection and reminds kids they are never alone when they're scared.
What Am I Feeling? by Josh and Christi Straub is a wonderful book that helps children recognize, name, and manage their emotions. Through the story, the characters learn to ask God for help and remember that “a feeling is just a feeling — it doesn’t control you.” The book also includes an adorable poster illustrating nine different emotions, making it a great tool to help children identify what they’re feeling.
Shorten the verses as appropriate for the child's developmental level.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God whose word I praise.
Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
I John 4:18 (NIV)
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) - Seeds Kids Worship Video*
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) - Seeds Kids Worship Video*
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV)
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
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It takes courage to stand up for what is right, even when others may pressure us to do otherwise. Discuss different examples of peer pressure with the child and role-play how to handle those situations with courage. For instance, you could act out a scenario where your brother tells you to eat a cookie, even though you remember your mom saying the cookies are for after supper. Discuss how the child could respond with confidence, knowing what is right.
Another fun activity is letting the children dress up as Bible characters (e.g. Queen Esther, Daniel) and role-play scenarios where they face fears or difficult situations. They can demonstrate how their characters bravely tackle challenges, helping them build the courage to do the same in real-life situations.
Have the child pick five items from the room and bring them to you. Place the items in a small area on the floor and cover them with a blanket.
Say to the child: Can you see the objects now? Are the objects still there even though you can't see them? How do you know they are still there? (Remove the blanket.) Just like Psalm 56:3-4 says, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you" because Jesus is always with us, even though we can't see Him.
After gathering the items, turn this activity into a memory game. While the child isn't looking, remove one item and have them figure out which one is missing. To make it more challenging, remove more than one object or add similar items.
Practice courage in a safe setting by turning off the lights for a short time and guiding children through the room, showing them that even in the dark, they can trust God and be brave.
While it might feel easier to shield children from their fears, the best way to empower them is by encouraging them to face their fears with courage. Provide the child with a verse like Psalm 56:3-4 to memorize and say or sing when they’re feeling afraid. Remind them that God doesn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Encourage the child to use brave words like, "I can," "I will," or "I’m strong with God's help" as they face their fears.
This book helps children overcome worry by focusing on God's promises and provides practical steps for replacing anxious thoughts with truth. For younger children, a worry notebook is created where they can draw and reflect on their fears with verses to remind them of God's care and support.
From tiny tots to preteens, our chore chart is designed to help your child develop valuable life skills while keeping your home running smoothly. Make chores fun and rewarding for the whole family! Download now and see the positive impact on your child's development.
