Caroline Blakeslee, a South Carolina-based children's author and illustrator, has announced the release of her debut picture book, Brave Like Sunny, available now through her official website at booksbycarolineb.com. The book follows Sunny, a cheerful puppy who wakes up feeling unwell and must navigate a visit to the vet, discovering that bravery is not about being fearless but about showing up despite fear or discomfort. Through watercolor and ink illustrations, Blakeslee crafts a narrative that acknowledges the struggles of illness while emphasizing the quiet courage found in persistence, friendship, and small joys.
The story centers on Sunny, who lives on Sweet Gum Road with one blue eye for spotting butterflies and one brown eye for finding snacks. When he feels tired and wobbly, he musters the courage to go to the vet with his toy Lambie. There, nurse Nonie uses bubbles and peanut-butter treats to ease his anxiety, and he meets Bootsie the kitten, finding laughter even in hard moments. The book is designed for children going through medical treatment, grief, or other difficult times, offering a message that resting and showing up are forms of bravery. Blakeslee, who studied studio art and 3D studies at the University of South Carolina and pursued graduate work in art education and psychology, draws on her own experiences with illness and loss to create a story that is both honest and hopeful.
Brave Like Sunny is dedicated to 'brave kids and grown-ups who find light on the cloudy days' and to Milo, whose courage inspired the book. It is suitable for hospital waiting rooms, pediatric care collections, school counselor shelves, and home libraries. Blakeslee emphasizes that the book aims to help children feel seen and to know that their struggles are real and their bravery is valid. For media inquiries, school visits, or bulk orders, visit the contact page at booksbycarolineb.com/contact-us. The book represents a shift for Blakeslee, who turned to creating art when her health made traditional classroom work difficult, and it reflects her belief that courage is often quiet and found in the decision to keep going.
