The Brave Voice: A Tale of Assertiveness

    By Storybird

    The Brave Voice: A Tale of Assertiveness cover image

    19 Feb, 2024

    a girl in a pink dress standing in a room with toys and books on the floor and a window, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, city background

    Lucy was a quiet, shy girl who lived in a bustling city. She loved to draw and play with her toys but had a hard time expressing herself when it came to interacting with others.

    a girl is writing in a book in a classroom with other children in the background and a teacher in the foreground, paris school, a comic book panel, Artgerm, official art

    One day at school, a boy took her drawing and refused to give it back. Lucy felt sad and angry, but she couldn't find the words to tell him to stop.

    a painting of two women sitting next to each other on a couch in a living room with a coffee table, american scene painting, a hyperrealistic painting, F. Scott Hess, highly detailed digital painting

    That evening, Lucy's grandma noticed her sadness. When Lucy explained, her grandma smiled gently and told her about the 'brave voice' each person had inside them.

    a painting of two women sitting on a couch talking to each other, one of them is wearing glasses, american scene painting, a hyperrealistic painting, F. Scott Hess, highly detailed digital painting

    "The 'brave voice' is your inner strength, Lucy," her grandma explained. "It helps you assert yourself and establish boundaries when you need to."

    a cartoon of a girl in a school hallway with other children in the hallway behind her and a cartoon of a girl in a pink dress, serial art, a comic book panel, Clarice Beckett, graphic novel

    The next day, Lucy tried to use her 'brave voice' at school, but she was too scared. The words got stuck in her throat, and she felt her cheeks burn.

    a girl in a pink dress is writing in a book in a room with a teddy bear and a window, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Clarice Beckett, cgstudio

    As days passed, Lucy continued to try. She practiced at home, speaking up when she didn't like something. It was hard at first, but it got easier with time.

    a group of children standing on a sidewalk in front of a house with a girl in a pink dress, american realism, a comic book panel, Charles Schulz, graphic novel

    One day, Lucy saw a new kid being bullied. She felt the familiar fear creeping in, but she took a deep breath and used her 'brave voice'.

    a cartoon of a woman surrounded by children in a crowd of people, with a speech bubble above her, context art, a comic book panel, Clarice Beckett, graphic novel

    "Stop it! That's not nice!" she exclaimed. Everyone turned to look at her. The bullies, surprised, stopped teasing the new kid.

    a little girl standing in the woods looking at something in the distance with a pink sky behind her and trees, serial art, a storybook illustration, Clarice Beckett, promotional image

    It was scary, but Lucy felt a sense of relief and pride. She had used her 'brave voice' to help someone else, and it felt good.

    a cartoon of a boy and girl sitting at a table in a classroom with a plate of food in front of them, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, official art

    The new kid thanked Lucy, and they became fast friends. They sat together at lunch and played together at recess.

    a girl in a pink dress standing in front of a window with a book on a table next to a vase of flowers, serial art, a storybook illustration, Clarice Beckett, rossdraws global illumination

    Lucy continued to practice using her 'brave voice'. Each time she did, it became a little easier. Her confidence started to grow.

    a boy and a girl are standing in a room with bookshelves and a bookcase in the background, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Ada Gladys Killins, storybook illustration

    After a few weeks, Lucy used her 'brave voice' when the boy who took her drawing tried to take her new friend's toy. He was surprised and handed it back.

    a girl and a girl in a classroom with a blackboard and a desk with a book and a pen, serial art, a storybook illustration, Byeon Sang-byeok, graphic novel

    Lucy's teacher noticed her newfound assertiveness and praised her. "Good job, Lucy! It's important to stand up for yourself and others," she said.

    a girl in a pink dress standing in front of a mountain range with a pink sky and clouds behind her, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Clarice Beckett, comic cover art

    Lucy felt proud. Her 'brave voice' wasn't just helping her; it was helping others too. She felt stronger and more confident every day.

    two girls are standing in a library and writing a book together, with bookshelves in the background, figurative art, a storybook illustration, F Scott Hess, storybook illustration

    One day, Lucy saw a girl struggling to reach a book in the library. Lucy walked over and asked if she needed help. The girl thanked her, and they became friends.

    a cartoon girl standing in front of a group of children in a park with a gazebo in the background, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, disney, official art

    Lucy's 'brave voice' wasn't just about standing up to bullies. It was about reaching out, making friends, and helping others. It was about being brave in all aspects of life.

    a cartoon of a girl surrounded by other children in a crowd of people, with a smiling girl in the center, private press, a storybook illustration, disney, official art

    Lucy's life changed for the better. She was happier and more outgoing. She made new friends and was no longer afraid to speak her mind.

    a painting of a woman and a little girl sitting on a couch together, both wearing matching pink pajamas, american realism, a storybook illustration, Elinor Proby Adams, cgstudio

    Lucy's grandma was proud of her. "You've found your 'brave voice', Lucy," she said. "Remember to use it wisely and kindly."

    a painting of a girl in a pink dress standing in a garden of flowers with pink flowers in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Colin Middleton, rossdraws global illumination

    Lucy nodded. She understood that her 'brave voice' was a tool. It was there to help her stand up for herself and others, but it was also there to help her connect with people.

    a painting of a girl in a pink dress standing in a field of flowers with a tree in the background, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Brad Kunkle, kinkade

    Lucy felt grateful for her 'brave voice'. She knew she would continue to grow and learn, but one thing was sure - she would always remember to use her 'brave voice'.

    a girl in a pink dress walking through a forest with a path leading to a sunbeam in the distance, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, rossdraws global illumination

    And so, Lucy's journey of self-discovery and growth continued. With her 'brave voice' by her side, she was ready to face whatever came her way.

    a digital painting of a girl with brown hair and a pink shirt on, with a blue background and a green background, photorealism, a character portrait, Artgerm, rossdraws global illumination

    From being a shy, quiet girl, Lucy became a confident, assertive young lady. Her 'brave voice' had truly transformed her, and she was ready to share this strength with others.

    a painting of a girl in a pink dress standing in a garden with pink flowers and trees in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Alice Prin, trending on art station

    Lucy's story is a reminder that we all have a 'brave voice' within us. It takes courage to find it, but once we do, it can change our lives in wonderful ways.

    a painting of a little girl in a pink dress standing in a forest with butterflies around her and a butterfly in her hair, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Charlie Bowater, highly detailed digital painting

    So, remember, whenever you find yourself in a tough situation, listen for your 'brave voice'. It's there, waiting to help you stand up, reach out, and be the best you can be.

    a girl in a pink dress standing in front of a castle with balloons floating above her and a pink sky, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Aaron Jasinski, rossdraws global illumination

    Like Lucy, you too have the power to change your world with your 'brave voice'. So, don't be afraid to use it. Your 'brave voice' is your strength, your shield, and your guide.

    The Brave Voice: A Tale of Assertiveness