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 at booksbycarolineb.com, the book tells the story of Sunny, a little dog who learns that bravery is not about being fearless but about showing up despite fear.
Sunny is described as the happiest puppy on Sweet Gum Road, with one blue eye for spotting butterflies and one brown eye for finding snacks. When he wakes up feeling different, tired, and wobbly, he discovers a harder kind of courage: the courage to keep going when the wag feels far away. Accompanied by his toy Lambie, Sunny visits the vet, where a kind nurse named Nonie greets him with bubbles and peanut-butter treats, reassuring him that bravery simply means showing up. Along the way, he meets Bootsie the kitten and finds laughter in hard moments, slowly rediscovering his sunshine.
Written and illustrated entirely by Blakeslee, Brave Like Sunny is rooted in the belief that children going through illness, medical treatment, or difficult seasons deserve stories that reflect their experience without minimizing it. The book addresses the difference between cloudy and bright days, resting as a form of bravery, and the quiet sparkle found in laughter and perseverance. It aims to provide warmth and humor while acknowledging the challenges.
Blakeslee brings personal experience to the book, having lived through years of illness, loss, and grief. She notes that courage is often quiet, the decision to wag even when one doesn't feel like it. Her background includes studying studio art and 3D studies at the University of South Carolina, followed by graduate work in art education and psychology. When her own health made traditional classroom work difficult, she turned to art, resulting in a book that combines emotional depth with accessibility for young readers.
The illustrations are rendered in watercolor and ink, a style distinctive to Blakeslee. Brave Like Sunny is dedicated to brave children and adults who find light on cloudy days, and to Milo, whose courage inspired the story. It is recommended for hospital and clinic waiting rooms, pediatric care collections, school counselor shelves, and home libraries. Educators, child life specialists, librarians, and parents may find it useful for conversations about medical courage, resilience, emotional regulation, and friendship.
The book is available at booksbycarolineb.com. For media inquiries, school visit requests, bulk orders, or review copies, visit the official website or use the contact page at booksbycarolineb.com/contact-us.
