Dahlia wants a turn on her aunt’s giant swing high above the meadow – but wanting to try is not the same as feeling ready. As she watches the children soar through the sky, her fear grows right alongside her wonder. In this tender and lyrical picture book, Dahlia discovers that bravery does not mean being unafraid. Sometimes it means trembling, trying anyway, and realizing that grown-ups can be scared too. 

This story opens conversations about:

• feeling afraid to try something new
• courage and what bravery really means
• embarrassment around fear
• noticing and naming big feelings
• the idea that grown-ups can feel afraid, too
• taking small steps toward confidence

What Readers Are Saying

Teacher

This heartwarming story is ideal for young children, gently showing that bravery means facing fears and trying anyway. It beautifully illustrates that fear and joy can exist side by side. As a retired teacher, I highly recommend this book for both classrooms and home reading.

• Hazell Thomas, Retired teacher and author

My Aunt’s Swing is a gentle story about finding inner strength to face fear and the ultimate realization that beauty is often found on the other side of courage.

This story makes us think about how brave it is to choose to try something we are intrigued by, even in the face of our own fears.

My Aunt’s Swing teaches us that we all have things we are afraid of, even adults.  It reminds us that it is okay to approach our fears with patience and respect, and that courage is not the absence of fear but instead the willingness to move forward while we carry it with us. 

My Aunt’s Swing is a story for all of those who know the quiet strength of waiting and watching others’ engage in experiences while searching for their own courage to join in .  

• Gina, Special Education Teacher

Parent

Bravery is a difficult thing, but with the examples and inspiration of different kids riding a swing, the narrator becomes brave enough to try it herself.

This friendly, colorful story about riding a swing is a powerful example of learning bravery from others and would fit right in at home or in the classroom/library. The author focuses on more than just the swing, bringing in color, place, and helpfulness to paint a clearer picture of friendship and the joy of riding a swing. After seeing different kids and how they experienced riding a swing (some quite brave, some quite matter of fact), the narrator steps up and does it herself!

I loved the sense of place, the splashes of color, and that the kindness of others is important to every character. This book is gently inspiring and full of camaraderie; I felt as if I was also part of this lovely, friendly group. 

Mental Health and Social Work Professionals 

My Aunt’s Swing is a story about being witnessed in our fears and bravery in ways that make us soar into the skies. Inbal’s writing touches familiar and tender places and sparks of color bring levity and delight. The reader is taken on waves of joy and depth along the way and the magic of the place comes through.

Overall, the book invites young readers to follow along on an emotional plot with lessons learned about kindness, generosity, self-compassion and taking leaps of faith. This book would suit the quiet kid who dares to be bold from time to time, children who would benefit from practicing vulnerability and ownership of their feelings both easy and hard. 

Bring My Aunt’s Swing to Your School or Library
Through a lyrical read-aloud and discussion, students explore fear, bravery, and what it means to try something new even when they still feel scared. This story invites children to reflect on moments when they hesitated, watched from the sidelines, or needed courage to take a first step.

This book supports conversations about:

• courage
• emotional awareness
• growth mindset
• confidence
• empathy around fear
• taking risks in learning and play

Editorial Reviews: 

This gentle and beautifully written story explores courage in a way that feels honest and relatable for children. Readers watch a group of children take turns on a giant swing in a colorful meadow. As the kids soar higher and higher, Dahlia observes from below—amazed by their bravery, but quietly hiding her own fear and embarrassment.

What makes this book especially meaningful is the way it reveals that Dahlia is an adult. This thoughtful choice sends a powerful message: fear does not disappear when you grow up. Adults can feel scared too, and that’s okay.

The swing becomes a symbol of courage, trust, and support. Inbal is inspired by the children’s joy and bravery, but it is their encouragement—cheering her on and believing in her—that finally helps her take her turn.

This book teaches children that fear and bravery can exist at the same time. Most importantly, it reminds readers that you don’t have to be fearless to be brave—you just have to try.

Florinda, Elementary School Teacher.