JUST KEEP GOING, by Lynn Smith and Lauren Gallegos, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, Sept. 30, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A little mouse discovers that brave isn’t something you are ― it’s something you do — in Just Keep Going by Lynn Smith and Lauren Gallegos.
Mouse’s day is full of big moments and bigger feelings. But with each step forward―jumping to shake off fear, accepting a friend’s comforting hug, or simply pausing to breathe―he builds his courage toolkit. Because taking a brave journey doesn’t mean you have to be fearless. It means you know how to just keep going. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Just Keep Going is a tender picture book that helps children recognize overwhelming feelings — fear, frustration, failure — and strategies to cope with them, helping them learn how to be resilient.
Author Lynn Smith was inspired by a moment with her son, who often was afraid to push through hard things. Failure left him stuck. Smith’s writing is a nice balance of both gentle and bright. Lauren Gallegos’ pastel toned illustrations feature friendly characters and lots of energy.
Just Keep Going is a good way to help a child grow their emotional intelligence.
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