The first day of school is often portrayed from a child’s perspective, but Be Brave, Mom! offers an unexpected twist: here, it is the children who encourage the adults. As families prepare for a new school year, children eagerly get ready for the day ahead while parents and caregivers struggle with anxiety, hesitation, and the challenge of letting go.

Written by Tino Freitas, whose work has received major Brazilian awards including the Jabuti Prize and the FNLIJ Award, the book approaches a universal milestone with warmth, humor, and emotional insight. By reversing traditional roles, the story highlights empathy, autonomy, and the realization that moments of change can be just as challenging for adults as they are for children.

The illustrations by Natália Gregorini expand the narrative through expressive characters, rich textures, and carefully observed emotional details. Created with mixed media techniques, the artwork introduces parallel visual stories and meaningful details that reward attentive readers. Text and image work together to create a layered reading experience, allowing children and adults to recognize their own feelings within the story.