What if your first day at a new school felt like landing on an alien planet? Sarah’s not sure what’s scarier: the wriggly slimy lunch, the swamp-creature teacher, or the fact that she doesn’t know anyone. Just when the nerves kick in… Benny the Brave shows up. And he’s not just a superhero - he helps kids find the bravery already inside them. Benny the Brave in the First Day Jitters is more than just a fun, imaginative read. It’s a powerful tool for helping kids face anxiety, new experiences, and everyday fears with confidence. Why parents, teachers & therapists love it: - Helps kids explore emotions and manage fears in a playful, age-appropriate way - Rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but wrapped in story and adventure - Promotes resilience, confidence, kindness, and emotional regulation - Makes it easy for grown-ups to start conversations about big feelings Perfect for kids ages 3 to 8, especially those starting preschool or kindergarten, or dealing with separation anxiety or big changes. Ideal for: - Back-to-school gifts - Social-emotional learning at home or in classrooms - Bedtime reading that builds emotional skills If your child loves adventure stories and you want to help them face challenges with confidence - Team Supercrew is here for you. "Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn have hit the nail on the head with Team Supercrew, a celebration of the strength that already lies within each of us and allows us to use positive self talk, access our emotional regulation skills, and remember that we all have the power to be brave!" -Jamie Schrager, Psy.D. - Psychologist and Social Emotional Learning Liaison, Primary Division - The School at Columbia University "With diverse characters and thoughtful, engaging text, Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn use humor to create a safe space for students to explore big feelings. This book should be on every classroom shelf and in every child's home!" -Erica L., NYC Public School Teacher "Through relatable characters and experiences, these books go beyond what we usually see in children's books. Team Supercrew can help children recognize their own internal bravery and help it to grow." -Kristen Piering, PsYD. "The Team Supercrew Series takes readers on a wonderful whimsical journey into the world of emotional intelligence and well-being for kids! Highly recommend!" -Kimberley Mauro, MSW, CLC - Certified Life Coach & Founder of The Vault Confidential "This adorable and super relatable children's book validates big feelings. I can specifically see a home for this in my classroom library as students learn to label and navigate their feelings across a school day." -Alex, First Grade Teacher, NYC " Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters is a wonderfully appropriate book for young readers who will find comfort in reading about Benny's journey. This book should be on your bookshelf... it's already on mine!" - Rachel B., Teacher, NYC Public Schools " Emilia was very apprehensive at her swim lessons so we started reading Benny the Brave and she kepy saying, "I AM GOING TO BE BRAVE LIKE BENNY!" . Now she is swimming 10 feet independently!" -Danielle More Team Supercrew books - collect them all! Team Supercrew - Emotions and Powers - 4 Book Box Set  Keisha the Kind in My LIttle Sister Situation   Chloe the Calm in The Bedtime Blues Gen the Grit in I Quit! Julie Anne Penn is a wife, mom, co-founder of Team Supercrew, and award-winning author of the Team Supercrew Book Series. She received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and taught grades 1-3 in a small seaside school in New Zealand. She continues her love of teaching and service through school visits and the ongoing study of child psychology and development. She lives in New York and loves to travel, explore the outdoors, and spend time with her husband, teenage son, and dog named Santiago.   Darren Penn is a husband, dad, and award-winning author of the Team Supercrew Book Series. He has a Master's Degree in Creative Writing and Literature, is a native New Yorker, and a self-admitted daydreamer. Some things he dreams about: empowering kids, doughnuts, and becoming the next lefty starter for the New York Yankees.