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 the author's official website, the book tells the story of a little dog named Sunny who learns that bravery is not about being fearless, but about showing up despite fear. The book is designed to support children facing illness, medical treatment, or other challenging experiences.
The narrative follows Sunny, a happy puppy who wakes up one morning feeling unwell. With his beloved toy Lambie, he visits the vet, where a kind nurse uses bubbles and treats to reassure him. Along the way, Sunny meets a new friend and discovers that courage can be found in small moments. Blakeslee, who wrote and illustrated the book in watercolor and ink, draws on her own experiences with illness and loss. She studied studio art and 3D studies at the University of South Carolina and pursued graduate work in art education and psychology, building a career around helping children process emotions through creativity.
The book is dedicated to 'the brave kids and grown-ups who find light on the cloudy days' and is intended for use in hospital waiting rooms, pediatric care collections, school counselor offices, and home libraries. Educators, child life specialists, and parents may find it useful for conversations about medical courage, resilience, emotional regulation, and friendship. Blakeslee's personal journey, including health challenges that made traditional classroom work difficult, informed the book's emotional depth. She aims to show children that their struggles are seen and that their bravery is real.
Brave Like Sunny is available at booksbycarolineb.com. For media inquiries, school visit requests, or review copies, visit the contact page at booksbycarolineb.com/contact-us.
