Caroline Blakeslee, a South Carolina-based children's author and artist, has announced the release of her debut picture book, Brave Like Sunny, now available through her official website. The book tells the story of Sunny, a happy puppy who wakes up one morning feeling unwell and must navigate a visit to the vet, discovering that courage is not about being fearless but about showing up anyway.
Written and illustrated entirely by Blakeslee, the book is intended for children going through illness, medical treatment, or other difficult seasons. It addresses themes of resilience, emotional regulation, and the quiet strength found in resting and laughing through hard moments. The narrative includes characters like Bootsie the kitten and Nurse Nonie, who help Sunny find his sunshine again.
Blakeslee's background in studio art and graduate work in art education and psychology inform the book's emotional depth. She created the illustrations in watercolor and ink, aiming to make the story accessible to young readers while carrying real emotional weight. The book is dedicated to brave kids and adults who find light on cloudy days and to Milo, whose courage inspired the story.
The author explained in a statement, 'Brave Like Sunny came from a place of deep personal truth. I have lived through years of illness, loss, and grief, and what carried me through was the same thing Sunny discovers: that courage is not loud. It is the quiet decision to wag anyway.'
Blakeslee's career shift to writing and illustrating followed her own health challenges, which made traditional classroom work difficult. She turned to creating art, resulting in a book that blends personal experience with a message of hope.
Brave Like Sunny is positioned as an ideal addition to hospital 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 and friendship. The book is available for purchase at booksbycarolineb.com, where media inquiries and review copy requests can also be directed via the contact page at booksbycarolineb.com/contact-us.
The story emphasizes that bravery means showing up even when the wag feels far away, a message that resonates with children facing medical or emotional challenges. Blakeslee's work reflects her belief that children deserve stories that honestly acknowledge their struggles while offering warmth and humor.
