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.
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He’s also afraid of something very small.
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And when he gets scared, he freezes.
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Not loud. Not dramatic. Just… stuck.
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I’ve seen that kind of fear before.
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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.
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So I started asking a different question:
What if bravery isn’t about being tough…
…but about feeling safe enough to be scared?
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That idea became Hank the Brave.
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A story for kids who feel big things—
and the people who stay with them.
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Because bravery doesn't have to be loud.
Meet Hank the Brave
For the moments when fear shows up—and love stays anyway.
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For ages 4–7—and the grown-ups beside them—a gentle reminder that bravery doesn’t have to be loud.
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Perfect for bedtime reading, classrooms, and children learning to face fears with reassurance.
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For the kids who freeze… and the people who stay with them.
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Hardcover edition — available now
From the Author
Hank the Brave began with a small, ordinary moment — one that didn’t look brave at all.
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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.
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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.
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This story grew from that moment.
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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.
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— Dana Eikenberg
Author, Hank the Brave
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​Sometimes the right story finds the right person.
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​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.
