“This debut picture book from illustrator, now author, Chloe Jasmine Harris, is a sweet, rustic, humble story about a fantastically named girl who overcomes fears to live a life many little girls would dream of. The watercolour illustrations have an unrefined aesthetic that adds to the homespun, off-grid atmosphere of Maple’s world. Ultimately, she learns that she is strong and capable,and discovers a new way of living with those she was once scared of. It’s a sweet message for our young daughters to experience. ”
“Chloe’s debut picture book as both author and illustrator clearly indicates that she will be force with which to be reckoned. The premise of the book about facing fears and developing resilience is so timely and the detailed illustrations will have children poring over them to gain every beautiful aspect. If you are looking for books that will empower children, particularly girls, this is ideal. I love this and it will definitely be a ‘go to’ and shared with my colleagues in the Junior school enthusiastically. Highly recommended for readers from around 3 years upwards.”
“Maple the Brave is the most wonderful book for those little people (and sometimes the not so little people) who find their worries stopping them from enjoying the beauty our world has to offer. Perfect for the early childhood classroom if you a looking for a text to open a discussion about worries and fears, courage, adventures or new friendships. With a lovely narrative structure and lots of delicious Tier 2 vocabulary it would also make a beautiful Literature Based Unit”
“Facing your fears and even conquering them is a common theme of picture books for the young, but the setting and the isolation of Maple without parents or history, gives this one an olde-worlde feel that will appeal to those who like gentle stories that are neither confronting or confrontational. At some stage in our lives we all have to step outside our comfort zone and face the unknown, an unknown that we may have already built up to be scarier than it is and Maple offers inspiration that it can be OK.
Beautifully illustrated by this debut author/illustrator with pictures that are as gentle as the story itself, this is one that can be shared as a read-along or a read-aloud to encourage young readers to take that first step.”
“This is a well- crafted story about a little girl called Maple who has to face her fears and find strength and skills she didn’t know she could have. This delightful story is well supported by Chloe’s detailed and colourful line and watercolour illustrations. These will delight young readers as they look deep into each page to follow Maple’s encounters with her new friends in the forest who help her to grow. ”