The Story Behind Hank
Hank the Brave is a tender reminder that courage doesn't have to be loud when love is close.
Hank is a big, lovable boxer.
He’s also afraid of something very small.
And when he gets scared, he freezes.
Not loud. Not dramatic. Just… stuck.
I’ve seen that kind of fear before.
In kids who pause instead of act—
and in adults who do the same.
In moments that don't make sense—but still stop them.
So I started asking a different question:
What if bravery isn’t about being tough…
…but about feeling safe enough to be scared?
That idea became Hank the Brave.
A story for kids who feel big things—
and the people who stay with them.
Because bravery doesn't have to be loud.
Meet Hank the Brave
For the moments when fear shows up—and love stays anyway.
For ages 4–7—and the grown-ups beside them—a gentle reminder that bravery doesn’t have to be loud.
Perfect for bedtime reading, classrooms, and children learning to face fears with reassurance.
For the kids who freeze… and the people who stay with them.
Hardcover edition — available now
From the Author
Hank the Brave began with a small, ordinary moment — one that didn’t look brave at all.
My boxer, Hank, froze one day when a tiny fly started buzzing around him. No barking. No chasing. Just a big, lovable dog suddenly unsure what to do.
At first, it was funny. But the moment stayed with me. Because fear doesn’t always arrive in big, dramatic ways. Sometimes it shows up quietly, unexpectedly, and hard to explain.
This story grew from that moment.
Hank the Brave is a reminder for children (and the grown-ups who love them) that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless. Sometimes it simply means trying again while knowing you’re safe and loved.
— Dana Eikenberg
Author, Hank the Brave
Sometimes the right story finds the right person.
If someone you love would feel seen in this story...
A quiet story.
A brave heart.
Hank the Brave is a story about fear, love, and the moments that don’t look heroic from the outside — but matter deeply on the inside. A reminder that quiet courage often grows where love is close.
