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, now available through her official website. The book, written and illustrated entirely by Blakeslee, tells the story of Sunny, a happy puppy who wakes up one morning feeling unwell and discovers that true courage is not about being fearless but about showing up anyway, one small wag at a time.
The story follows Sunny as he navigates a visit to the vet, supported by his toy Lambie and a kind nurse named Nonie. Along the way, he meets Bootsie the kitten and finds laughter in hard moments. The book is designed to speak honestly to children experiencing illness, medical treatment, or difficult seasons, emphasizing that resting is a form of bravery and that sunshine can return slowly. Blakeslee, who has lived through years of illness and loss, said the story emerged from personal truth, reflecting the quiet decision to keep going even when it feels impossible.
Brave Like Sunny is available at booksbycarolineb.com. For media inquiries and review copy requests, visit the contact page at booksbycarolineb.com/contact-us. The book is ideal for hospital waiting rooms, pediatric collections, school counselor shelves, and home libraries, offering a resource for conversations about medical courage, resilience, and emotional regulation developed by an author with graduate work in art education and psychology.
