Caroline Blakeslee, a South Carolina-based children's author, artist, and advocate for social-emotional learning, has announced the release of her debut picture book, 'Brave Like Sunny.' Available now through her official website, the book tells the story of Sunny, a puppy who learns that bravery means showing up even when feeling scared or unwell. The book aims to support children experiencing illness, medical treatment, or difficult seasons by reflecting their experiences with honesty and warmth.
'Brave Like Sunny' follows Sunny, a happy puppy with one blue eye and one brown eye, who wakes up feeling tired and wobbly. With his toy Lambie, he goes to the vet, where a kind nurse helps him understand that courage is about showing up. The story emphasizes that resting and finding laughter in hard moments are forms of bravery. Blakeslee wrote and illustrated the book in her distinctive watercolor and ink style, drawing from her personal experiences with illness and grief.
Blakeslee studied studio art and 3D studies at the University of South Carolina and pursued graduate work in art education and psychology. When her own health made classroom work difficult, she turned to creating art, resulting in a book that balances emotional depth with accessibility for young readers. 'Brave Like Sunny' is dedicated to children and adults who find light on cloudy days and is suitable for hospital waiting rooms, pediatric collections, school counselor shelves, and home libraries.
The book is available at booksbycarolineb.com. For media inquiries, school visits, bulk orders, or review copies, visit the website or use the contact page at booksbycarolineb.com/contact-us.
