Ollie
Collywobble.
He's six. He's brave. He's kind. And he's very, very good at looking like everything is completely under control.
Usually.
Ollie likes being the big boy.
Ollie has decided that he's not a baby anymore.
Big boys know what to do. Big boys don't get scared. Big boys look after their little sisters. And big boys definitely don't need someone to hold their hand.
At least, that's what Ollie thinks.
The trouble is, sometimes being six still feels surprisingly small.
The Brave Face.
Ollie has a very good Brave Face.
It's the face he makes when something feels a little bit scary and he wants everyone to think he's absolutely fine.
Chin up. Shoulders back. Hands in pockets. Tiny confident smile.
“I've got this.”
Sometimes it works brilliantly.
Sometimes... his face forgets to cooperate.
Ollie doesn't need to stop being scared.
That's not how bravery works.
Sometimes things feel big.
A new classroom. A strange noise. A first sleepover. Standing up in front of everyone.
You can wobble and still go.
Ollie's stories aren't about making the wobble disappear. They're about finding a way to take the next little step.
You don't have to hide it.
Ollie's family knows something important: everyone gets wobbles. Even grown-ups. Even the ones who look brave.
There's one little problem with giving good advice.
Bella remembers it.
Ollie is very good at telling his little sister that everything will be fine.
Unfortunately, Bella has an excellent memory.
So when Ollie finds himself wobbling, she knows exactly what to say.
Usually, she uses Ollie's own words.
Usually, at exactly the wrong moment.
He's not the fearless one.
He's the one who keeps having a go.
Kind
Ollie notices when someone else is having a hard time. He wants to help, even when he isn't sure what to do.
Determined
Once Ollie decides something matters, he really does try. Even when his tummy says otherwise.
A little bit stubborn
Ollie isn't always brilliant at taking his own advice. Especially when someone else is watching.
There are plenty of wobbles ahead.
First days. Big noises. Lost treasures. New adventures. Things that look easy until you actually have to do them.
Ollie will probably tell everyone not to worry.
He might even believe himself.
And when the Brave Face slips, he'll have his family there to remind him that wobbling is allowed.