Brave Like Sunny: A Story of Courage for Kids Facing Illness

COLUMBIA, SC – Caroline Blakeslee, a South Carolina-based children's author, artist, and advocate for social-emotional learning, has released her debut picture book, Brave Like Sunny. The story follows Sunny, a happy puppy who wakes up feeling unwell and must find the courage to face a vet visit. Through the support of his toy Lambie, a kind nurse named Nonie, and a new friend, Bootsie the kitten, Sunny learns that bravery isn't about being fearless—it's about showing up, one small wag at a time. Blakeslee, who studied studio art and 3D studies at the University of South Carolina and pursued graduate work in art education and psychology, brings her personal experience with illness and loss to the book. The book is available now at booksbycarolineb.com.

The book speaks honestly to children facing illness, medical treatment, or difficult seasons, emphasizing that resting is a form of bravery and that laughter can be found even in hard moments. Blakeslee's watercolor and ink illustrations bring warmth and humor to the story, making it accessible to young readers. Brave Like Sunny is dedicated to brave kids and grown-ups who find light on cloudy days, and is ideal for hospital waiting rooms, pediatric care collections, school counselor shelves, and home libraries. Educators, child life specialists, and parents will find it a valuable tool for conversations about medical courage, resilience, and emotional regulation.

Blakeslee’s journey to writing this book was deeply personal. After years of illness and loss, she turned to creating art and storytelling to process her emotions. The result is a book that carries real feeling while remaining joyful. For media inquiries, school visits, or bulk orders, visit the contact us page on her website. Blakeslee writes and illustrates every page herself, bringing the same warmth and hope to the art as to the words.